Des Moines is 18% 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
$2,808
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,306
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$116,513
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$758,700
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
111.9
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$6,058
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$137
$141
👥 People living there
276,375
212,421
Commute to work
28.6 min
19.5 min
College degree
33.2%
29.7%
Own their home
59.8%
60.5%
Below poverty line
8.7%
15%
Unemployment
8%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Chula Vista for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chula Vista | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $139,520 | $78,630 | -44% in Des Moines |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $35,850 | $20,410 | -43% in Des Moines |
| Elementary School Teacher | $97,000 | $61,650 | -36% in Des Moines |
| Police Officer | $110,400 | $81,810 | -26% in Des Moines |
| Lawyer | $178,220 | $134,560 | -24% in Des Moines |
| Dental Hygienist | $123,790 | $93,660 | -24% in Des Moines |
| Software Developer | $163,270 | $126,460 | -23% in Des Moines |
| Restaurant Cook | $46,440 | $36,070 | -22% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chula Vista or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 18% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $2,808 in Chula Vista.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Chula Vista?
About $49,175 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Chula Vista or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $116,513 in Chula Vista and $71,108 in Des Moines, 64% more in Chula Vista.
More comparisons
All Chula Vista comparisons → · All Des Moines comparisons →