salaryDes Moines is 24% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Los Angeles to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$2,498
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$2,339
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$88,371
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$921,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
113.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$6,050
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$151
👥 People living there
212,421
3,857,263
Commute to work
19.5 min
30.7 min
College degree
29.7%
38.5%
Own their home
60.5%
36%
Below poverty line
15%
16.5%
Unemployment
5.6%
8.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
- Pick Los Angeles for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Los Angeles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $35,850 | +76% in Los Angeles |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $135,560 | +72% in Los Angeles |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $98,050 | +72% in Los Angeles |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $101,860 | +65% in Los Angeles |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $121,980 | +49% in Los Angeles |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $194,410 | +44% in Los Angeles |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $122,980 | +31% in Los Angeles |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | $125,830 | +27% in Los Angeles |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 24% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $2,498 in Los Angeles.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $74,306 a year gives the same standard of living in Los Angeles.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Los Angeles?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $88,371 in Los Angeles, 20% more in Los Angeles.
More comparisons
All Des Moines comparisons → · All Los Angeles comparisons →