salaryDes Moines is 14% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Modesto to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,988
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,761
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$86,162
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$442,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
104.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$2,835
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$166
👥 People living there
212,421
219,215
Commute to work
19.5 min
30.2 min
College degree
29.7%
21.2%
Own their home
60.5%
58.9%
Below poverty line
15%
13.3%
Unemployment
5.6%
7.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
- Pick Modesto for higher incomes, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Modesto | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $34,910 | +71% in Modesto |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $132,590 | +69% in Modesto |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $101,640 | +65% in Modesto |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $77,370 | +36% in Modesto |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $123,910 | +32% in Modesto |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,230 | $173,380 | +31% in Modesto |
| Physician Assistant | $133,830 | $165,730 | +24% in Modesto |
| Cashier | $29,640 | $36,490 | +23% in Modesto |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 14% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,988 in Modesto.
What salary do I need in Modesto to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $68,118 a year gives the same standard of living in Modesto.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Modesto?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $86,162 in Modesto, 17% more in Modesto.