salaryDes Moines is 13% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Mesa to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,826
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,712
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$89,248
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$408,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
103.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$1,604
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$168
👥 People living there
212,421
511,764
Commute to work
19.5 min
24.7 min
College degree
29.7%
32.5%
Own their home
60.5%
64.4%
Below poverty line
15%
10.3%
Unemployment
5.6%
4.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Mesa for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Mesa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $47,530 | +133% in Mesa |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $100,830 | +28% in Mesa |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,670 | $78,080 | +23% in Mesa |
| Cashier | $29,640 | $34,920 | +18% in Mesa |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $63,750 | -15% in Mesa |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $102,520 | +9% in Mesa |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,070 | $39,170 | +9% in Mesa |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $61,780 | +9% in Mesa |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,826 in Mesa.
What salary do I need in Mesa to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $67,600 a year gives the same standard of living in Mesa.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Mesa?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $89,248 in Mesa, 20% more in Mesa.