salaryDes Moines is 9% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Detroit to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,347
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,153
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$43,073
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$83,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
100.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$1,402
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$196
👥 People living there
212,421
638,530
Commute to work
19.5 min
24.8 min
College degree
29.7%
18.1%
Own their home
60.5%
50.3%
Below poverty line
15%
32.7%
Unemployment
5.6%
14%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 3 more.
- Pick Detroit for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Detroit | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $37,490 | +84% in Detroit |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $81,990 | +30% in Detroit |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $97,280 | +24% in Detroit |
| Medical Assistant | $46,920 | $39,410 | -16% in Detroit |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $86,370 | +15% in Detroit |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $40,330 | -13% in Detroit |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $62,730 | +10% in Detroit |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $84,480 | -10% in Detroit |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Detroit cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 9% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,347 in Detroit.
What salary do I need in Detroit to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $65,625 a year gives the same standard of living in Detroit.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Detroit?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $43,073 in Detroit, 65% more in Des Moines.