salaryDes Moines is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Milwaukee to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,284
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,170
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$58,491
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$184,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
96.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$3,668
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$156
👥 People living there
212,421
566,973
Commute to work
19.5 min
22.4 min
College degree
29.7%
27.4%
Own their home
60.5%
41.8%
Below poverty line
15%
22.8%
Unemployment
5.6%
6.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, higher incomes, shorter commutes and 3 more.
- Pick Milwaukee for cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Milwaukee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $30,330 | +49% in Milwaukee |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | $125,490 | +27% in Milwaukee |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $97,360 | +24% in Milwaukee |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $77,800 | +24% in Milwaukee |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $84,700 | +13% in Milwaukee |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $49,760 | -13% in Milwaukee |
| Pharmacist | $141,110 | $153,340 | +9% in Milwaukee |
| Medical Assistant | $46,920 | $49,590 | +6% in Milwaukee |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Milwaukee cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,284 in Milwaukee.
What salary do I need in Milwaukee to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $63,426 a year gives the same standard of living in Milwaukee.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Milwaukee?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $58,491 in Milwaukee, 22% more in Des Moines.