salaryDes Moines is 23% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in New York to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$2,806
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$2,016
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$86,801
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$777,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
112.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$6,547
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$132
👥 People living there
212,421
8,483,844
Commute to work
19.5 min
40.3 min
College degree
29.7%
41.6%
Own their home
60.5%
32.8%
Below poverty line
15%
17.9%
Unemployment
5.6%
8%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
- Pick New York for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | New York | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $47,610 | +133% in New York |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $106,420 | +87% in New York |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | $157,000 | +59% in New York |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $96,900 | +57% in New York |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $208,880 | +55% in New York |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $119,720 | +52% in New York |
| Accountant | $79,290 | $105,650 | +33% in New York |
| Software Developer | $126,460 | $166,830 | +32% in New York |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or New York cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 23% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $2,806 in New York.
What salary do I need in New York to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $73,650 a year gives the same standard of living in New York.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or New York?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $86,801 in New York, 18% more in New York.