salaryDes Moines is 4% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Grand Rapids to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,751
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,396
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$74,533
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$244,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
95.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$2,493
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$100
👥 People living there
212,421
198,535
Commute to work
19.5 min
19 min
College degree
29.7%
41.6%
Own their home
60.5%
54%
Below poverty line
15%
16.9%
Unemployment
5.6%
5.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Grand Rapids for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Grand Rapids | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $42,930 | +110% in Grand Rapids |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $36,130 | -22% in Grand Rapids |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,580 | $64,880 | -15% in Grand Rapids |
| Medical Assistant | $46,920 | $39,890 | -15% in Grand Rapids |
| Software Developer | $126,460 | $107,520 | -15% in Grand Rapids |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,940 | $38,340 | -13% in Grand Rapids |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $84,290 | -10% in Grand Rapids |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $74,920 | -8% in Grand Rapids |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Grand Rapids cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 4% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,751 in Grand Rapids.
What salary do I need in Grand Rapids to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $62,516 a year gives the same standard of living in Grand Rapids.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Grand Rapids?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $74,533 in Grand Rapids, 5% more in Grand Rapids.
More comparisons
All Des Moines comparisons → · All Grand Rapids comparisons →