salaryDes Moines is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Durham to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,797
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,604
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$88,026
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$392,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
97.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$3,263
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$117
👥 People living there
212,421
291,467
Commute to work
19.5 min
22.3 min
College degree
29.7%
57.3%
Own their home
60.5%
52.3%
Below poverty line
15%
11.7%
Unemployment
5.6%
3.8%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Durham for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Durham | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $35,230 | +73% in Durham |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $38,350 | -33% in Durham |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $60,100 | -27% in Durham |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,580 | $93,110 | +22% in Durham |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $60,110 | -20% in Durham |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $37,750 | -19% in Durham |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $51,400 | -17% in Durham |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | $51,540 | -16% in Durham |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Durham cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,797 in Durham.
What salary do I need in Durham to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $63,841 a year gives the same standard of living in Durham.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Durham?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $88,026 in Durham, 19% more in Durham.