salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Kansas City to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,535
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,400
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$74,596
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$242,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
92.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$2,671
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$138
👥 People living there
212,421
510,612
Commute to work
19.5 min
21.7 min
College degree
29.7%
38.4%
Own their home
60.5%
55.4%
Below poverty line
15%
14.6%
Unemployment
5.6%
4.4%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Kansas City for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Kansas City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $36,080 | +77% in Kansas City |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $62,960 | -23% in Kansas City |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $76,860 | +22% in Kansas City |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $41,700 | -10% in Kansas City |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,940 | $39,710 | -10% in Kansas City |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,880 | $44,350 | -9% in Kansas City |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | $90,490 | -8% in Kansas City |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $60,770 | +7% in Kansas City |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Des Moines and Kansas City cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Kansas City to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $60,551 a year gives the same standard of living in Kansas City.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Kansas City?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $74,596 in Kansas City, 5% more in Kansas City.
More comparisons
All Des Moines comparisons → · All Kansas City comparisons →