salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Knoxville to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,544
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,305
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$58,281
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$239,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
92.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$1,527
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$180
👥 People living there
212,421
195,185
Commute to work
19.5 min
20.2 min
College degree
29.7%
34.6%
Own their home
60.5%
46.6%
Below poverty line
15%
20.2%
Unemployment
5.6%
4.5%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 3 more.
- Pick Knoxville for a more educated workforce, lower unemployment.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Knoxville | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $28,100 | +38% in Knoxville |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $56,380 | -31% in Knoxville |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,880 | $38,840 | -21% in Knoxville |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $59,860 | -20% in Knoxville |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $37,400 | -19% in Knoxville |
| Physician Assistant | $133,830 | $107,980 | -19% in Knoxville |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,580 | $62,890 | -18% in Knoxville |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | $50,400 | -18% in Knoxville |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Knoxville cheaper to live in?
Des Moines and Knoxville cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Knoxville to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $60,568 a year gives the same standard of living in Knoxville.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Knoxville?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $58,281 in Knoxville, 22% more in Des Moines.