salaryDes Moines is 8% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Houston to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,533
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,499
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$69,901
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$277,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
98.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$4,198
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$157
👥 People living there
212,421
2,328,253
Commute to work
19.5 min
27.2 min
College degree
29.7%
36.6%
Own their home
60.5%
42.1%
Below poverty line
15%
19.9%
Unemployment
5.6%
6.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 4 more.
- Pick Houston for a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Houston | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $99,830 | +27% in Houston |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | $119,600 | +21% in Houston |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | $49,670 | -19% in Houston |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $61,300 | -18% in Houston |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $38,000 | -18% in Houston |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $157,980 | +17% in Houston |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,880 | $40,380 | -17% in Houston |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,940 | $37,970 | -14% in Houston |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Houston cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,533 in Houston.
What salary do I need in Houston to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $64,533 a year gives the same standard of living in Houston.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Houston?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $69,901 in Houston, 2% more in Des Moines.