salaryDes Moines is 24% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Irvine to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$3,405
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$3,344
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$147,451
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$1,191,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
113.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$9,543
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$113
👥 People living there
212,421
311,690
Commute to work
19.5 min
24.7 min
College degree
29.7%
70.6%
Own their home
60.5%
44.5%
Below poverty line
15%
10.8%
Unemployment
5.6%
5.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Irvine for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Irvine | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $35,850 | +76% in Irvine |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $135,560 | +72% in Irvine |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $98,050 | +72% in Irvine |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $101,860 | +65% in Irvine |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $121,980 | +49% in Irvine |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $194,410 | +44% in Irvine |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $122,980 | +31% in Irvine |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | $125,830 | +27% in Irvine |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Irvine cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 24% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $3,405 in Irvine.
What salary do I need in Irvine to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $74,306 a year gives the same standard of living in Irvine.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Irvine?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $147,451 in Irvine, 52% more in Irvine.