salaryDes Moines is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Des Moines to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,849
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,567
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$102,860
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$378,400
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
97.9
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,108
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$178
$141
👥 People living there
252,583
212,421
Commute to work
25.8 min
19.5 min
College degree
36.9%
29.7%
Own their home
74.4%
60.5%
Below poverty line
9.4%
15%
Unemployment
4.9%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Chesapeake for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chesapeake | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,020 | $20,410 | -48% in Des Moines |
| Police Officer | $59,690 | $81,810 | +37% in Des Moines |
| Customer Service Representative | $38,150 | $48,880 | +28% in Des Moines |
| Plumber | $61,870 | $75,040 | +21% in Des Moines |
| Truck Driver | $50,460 | $60,720 | +20% in Des Moines |
| Carpenter | $51,500 | $61,360 | +19% in Des Moines |
| Warehouse Worker | $39,160 | $46,370 | +18% in Des Moines |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,990 | $43,940 | +13% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chesapeake or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,849 in Chesapeake.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Chesapeake?
About $56,177 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Chesapeake or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $102,860 in Chesapeake and $71,108 in Des Moines, 45% more in Chesapeake.