salaryDes Moines is 4% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Indianapolis to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,465
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,315
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$71,417
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$224,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
95.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$2,037
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$141
👥 People living there
212,421
885,860
Commute to work
19.5 min
24.6 min
College degree
29.7%
34.9%
Own their home
60.5%
56%
Below poverty line
15%
15.8%
Unemployment
5.6%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Indianapolis for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, lower unemployment.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Indianapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $29,050 | +42% in Indianapolis |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | $120,480 | +22% in Indianapolis |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $68,480 | +20% in Indianapolis |
| Software Developer | $126,460 | $106,870 | -15% in Indianapolis |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,580 | $65,200 | -15% in Indianapolis |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,940 | $38,880 | -12% in Indianapolis |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,880 | $43,460 | -11% in Indianapolis |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $84,230 | +7% in Indianapolis |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Indianapolis cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 4% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,465 in Indianapolis.
What salary do I need in Indianapolis to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $62,614 a year gives the same standard of living in Indianapolis.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Indianapolis?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $71,417 in Indianapolis, 0% more in Indianapolis.
More comparisons
All Des Moines comparisons → · All Indianapolis comparisons →