salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in El Paso to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,246
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,088
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$64,435
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$184,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
89.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$3,760
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$113
👥 People living there
212,421
680,130
Commute to work
19.5 min
23.4 min
College degree
29.7%
28.1%
Own their home
60.5%
60.8%
Below poverty line
15%
18.4%
Unemployment
5.6%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
- Pick El Paso for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | El Paso | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst | $76,580 | $50,680 | -34% in El Paso |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | $42,430 | -31% in El Paso |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $53,560 | -29% in El Paso |
| HVAC Technician | $62,640 | $47,270 | -25% in El Paso |
| Medical Assistant | $46,920 | $35,790 | -24% in El Paso |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $48,140 | -23% in El Paso |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $35,550 | -23% in El Paso |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,880 | $37,640 | -23% in El Paso |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or El Paso cheaper to live in?
Des Moines and El Paso cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in El Paso to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $58,829 a year gives the same standard of living in El Paso.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or El Paso?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $64,435 in El Paso, 10% more in Des Moines.