salaryDes Moines is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Madison to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,723
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,628
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$84,177
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$372,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
97.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$6,541
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$120
👥 People living there
212,421
278,001
Commute to work
19.5 min
19.4 min
College degree
29.7%
59.9%
Own their home
60.5%
46%
Below poverty line
15%
16.4%
Unemployment
5.6%
2.7%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Madison for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Madison | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $30,910 | +51% in Madison |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $101,190 | +29% in Madison |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | $126,620 | +28% in Madison |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $78,430 | +25% in Madison |
| Cashier | $29,640 | $34,550 | +17% in Madison |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $85,160 | +13% in Madison |
| Pharmacist | $141,110 | $158,120 | +12% in Madison |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,580 | $67,990 | -11% in Madison |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Madison cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,723 in Madison.
What salary do I need in Madison to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $63,655 a year gives the same standard of living in Madison.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Madison?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $84,177 in Madison, 16% more in Madison.