salaryDes Moines is 11% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Fresno to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,789
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,484
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$76,564
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$374,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
102.2
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$2,723
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$202
👥 People living there
212,421
545,970
Commute to work
19.5 min
22.4 min
College degree
29.7%
25.5%
Own their home
60.5%
50.1%
Below poverty line
15%
20.1%
Unemployment
5.6%
8.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 4 more.
- Pick Fresno for higher incomes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Fresno | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $34,320 | +68% in Fresno |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $125,420 | +60% in Fresno |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $79,160 | +39% in Fresno |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $78,800 | +28% in Fresno |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,230 | $166,570 | +26% in Fresno |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $100,770 | +23% in Fresno |
| Civil Engineer | $97,330 | $119,720 | +23% in Fresno |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $162,680 | +21% in Fresno |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 11% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,789 in Fresno.
What salary do I need in Fresno to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $66,842 a year gives the same standard of living in Fresno.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Fresno?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $76,564 in Fresno, 7% more in Fresno.