salaryAbout the sameBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Lincoln to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,328
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,219
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$77,509
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$264,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
91.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$4,023
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$104
👥 People living there
212,421
294,856
Commute to work
19.5 min
18.4 min
College degree
29.7%
41.8%
Own their home
60.5%
56.1%
Below poverty line
15%
12.7%
Unemployment
5.6%
3.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper homes.
- Pick Lincoln for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Lincoln | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $36,080 | +77% in Lincoln |
| Truck Driver | $60,720 | $81,790 | +35% in Lincoln |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $101,300 | -25% in Lincoln |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,580 | $58,750 | -23% in Lincoln |
| Software Developer | $126,460 | $101,690 | -20% in Lincoln |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $60,670 | -19% in Lincoln |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | $49,910 | -19% in Lincoln |
| Accountant | $79,290 | $65,170 | -18% in Lincoln |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Lincoln cheaper to live in?
Des Moines and Lincoln cost about the same once rent and everyday costs are combined.
What salary do I need in Lincoln to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $59,921 a year gives the same standard of living in Lincoln.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Lincoln?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $77,509 in Lincoln, 8% more in Lincoln.