salaryDes Moines is 11% 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
$1,983
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$141
👥 People living there
2,711,226
212,421
Commute to work
33.1 min
19.5 min
College degree
44.3%
29.7%
Own their home
46%
60.5%
Below poverty line
16.8%
15%
Unemployment
8%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $102,350 | $62,840 | -39% in Des Moines |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $20,410 | -35% in Des Moines |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $56,910 | -31% in Des Moines |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $75,040 | -27% in Des Moines |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $81,810 | -24% in Des Moines |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $61,360 | -24% in Des Moines |
| Registered Nurse | $100,490 | $78,630 | -22% in Des Moines |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $61,650 | -21% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 11% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $53,111 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $71,108 in Des Moines, 18% more in Chicago.