salaryColumbus is 3% 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
$1,314
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,116
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$62,632
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$193,900
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
89.3
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,660
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$173
$141
👥 People living there
203,711
212,421
Commute to work
20.9 min
19.5 min
College degree
30.5%
29.7%
Own their home
50.8%
60.5%
Below poverty line
19%
15%
Unemployment
6.3%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $49,990 | $81,810 | +64% in Des Moines |
| Plumber | $47,410 | $75,040 | +58% in Des Moines |
| Carpenter | $45,070 | $61,360 | +36% in Des Moines |
| HVAC Technician | $46,780 | $62,640 | +34% in Des Moines |
| Customer Service Representative | $37,330 | $48,880 | +31% in Des Moines |
| Medical Assistant | $36,050 | $46,920 | +30% in Des Moines |
| Lawyer | $104,120 | $134,560 | +29% in Des Moines |
| Truck Driver | $47,570 | $60,720 | +28% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,266 in Des Moines.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $61,616 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $62,632 in Columbus and $71,108 in Des Moines, 12% more in Des Moines.