salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Lexington-Fayette to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,463
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,239
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$74,933
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$293,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
92.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$2,542
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$140
👥 People living there
212,421
323,725
Commute to work
19.5 min
20.9 min
College degree
29.7%
48.3%
Own their home
60.5%
53.8%
Below poverty line
15%
14.9%
Unemployment
5.6%
4.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper homes, shorter commutes.
- Pick Lexington-Fayette for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Lexington-Fayette | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $34,910 | +71% in Lexington-Fayette |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $36,490 | -36% in Lexington-Fayette |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $61,720 | -25% in Lexington-Fayette |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,880 | $39,160 | -20% in Lexington-Fayette |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | $80,440 | -19% in Lexington-Fayette |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $61,870 | -18% in Lexington-Fayette |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $111,040 | -17% in Lexington-Fayette |
| Physician Assistant | $133,830 | $112,230 | -16% in Lexington-Fayette |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Lexington-Fayette cheaper to live in?
Des Moines and Lexington-Fayette cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Lexington-Fayette to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $60,777 a year gives the same standard of living in Lexington-Fayette.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Lexington-Fayette?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $74,933 in Lexington-Fayette, 5% more in Lexington-Fayette.
More comparisons
All Des Moines comparisons → · All Lexington-Fayette comparisons →
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