salaryDes Moines is 24% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Long Beach to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$2,279
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$2,180
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$94,293
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$806,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
113.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$5,151
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$99
👥 People living there
212,421
455,548
Commute to work
19.5 min
29.9 min
College degree
29.7%
35.6%
Own their home
60.5%
41.2%
Below poverty line
15%
14.8%
Unemployment
5.6%
6.5%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Long Beach for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Long Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $35,850 | +76% in Long Beach |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $135,560 | +72% in Long Beach |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $98,050 | +72% in Long Beach |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $101,860 | +65% in Long Beach |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $121,980 | +49% in Long Beach |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $194,410 | +44% in Long Beach |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $122,980 | +31% in Long Beach |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | $125,830 | +27% in Long Beach |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 24% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $2,279 in Long Beach.
What salary do I need in Long Beach to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $74,306 a year gives the same standard of living in Long Beach.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Long Beach?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $94,293 in Long Beach, 25% more in Long Beach.