salaryDes Moines is 24% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Miami to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$2,538
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,983
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$67,365
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$518,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
114.2
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$4,586
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$133
👥 People living there
212,421
459,745
Commute to work
19.5 min
27.3 min
College degree
29.7%
37.4%
Own their home
60.5%
30.8%
Below poverty line
15%
19.4%
Unemployment
5.6%
5.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 3 more.
- Pick Miami for a more educated workforce, lower unemployment.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Miami | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $36,070 | +77% in Miami |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $75,710 | +33% in Miami |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $57,760 | -23% in Miami |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $160,320 | +19% in Miami |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,880 | $39,560 | -19% in Miami |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $38,580 | -17% in Miami |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $91,380 | +16% in Miami |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | $51,570 | -16% in Miami |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Miami cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 24% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $2,538 in Miami.
What salary do I need in Miami to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $74,692 a year gives the same standard of living in Miami.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Miami?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $67,365 in Miami, 6% more in Des Moines.