Des Moines is 4% 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
$1,379
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,208
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$57,062
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$230,900
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.4
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,169
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$147
$141
👥 People living there
311,224
212,421
Commute to work
22.4 min
19.5 min
College degree
41.8%
29.7%
Own their home
39.8%
60.5%
Below poverty line
25.5%
15%
Unemployment
6.8%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Cincinnati for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, higher incomes, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Cincinnati | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $36,530 | $20,410 | -44% in Des Moines |
| Warehouse Worker | $40,240 | $46,370 | +15% in Des Moines |
| Plumber | $65,160 | $75,040 | +15% in Des Moines |
| Dental Hygienist | $102,940 | $93,660 | -9% in Des Moines |
| Nursing Assistant | $40,350 | $43,940 | +9% in Des Moines |
| Retail Salesperson | $30,810 | $33,430 | +9% in Des Moines |
| Registered Nurse | $83,650 | $78,630 | -6% in Des Moines |
| Medical Assistant | $44,340 | $46,920 | +6% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Cincinnati or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 4% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,379 in Cincinnati.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Cincinnati?
About $57,692 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Cincinnati or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $57,062 in Cincinnati and $71,108 in Des Moines, 20% more in Des Moines.