salaryDes 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
$1,611
$1,266
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,481
$1,254
💵 Families earn per year
$71,269
$71,108
🔑 Buying a house
$252,900
$194,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.5
91.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,341
$3,496
⚡ Electric bill per month
$123
$141
👥 People living there
914,802
212,421
Commute to work
21.5 min
19.5 min
College degree
38.2%
29.7%
Own their home
44.1%
60.5%
Below poverty line
18.1%
15%
Unemployment
5.1%
5.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, lower unemployment.
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $37,490 | $20,410 | -46% in Des Moines |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,150 | $61,650 | -21% in Des Moines |
| Police Officer | $100,890 | $81,810 | -19% in Des Moines |
| Plumber | $63,260 | $75,040 | +19% in Des Moines |
| Warehouse Worker | $41,200 | $46,370 | +13% in Des Moines |
| Firefighter | $61,780 | $56,910 | -8% in Des Moines |
| Carpenter | $66,480 | $61,360 | -8% in Des Moines |
| Medical Assistant | $44,140 | $46,920 | +6% in Des Moines |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 4% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,611 in Columbus.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $57,632 a year gives the same standard of living in Des Moines.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Des Moines?
The typical household earns $71,269 in Columbus and $71,108 in Des Moines, 0% more in Columbus.