salaryDes Moines is 26% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Oakland to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$2,511
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$2,352
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$109,576
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$929,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$8,575
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$127
👥 People living there
212,421
439,418
Commute to work
19.5 min
29.8 min
College degree
29.7%
48.7%
Own their home
60.5%
42.3%
Below poverty line
15%
13.4%
Unemployment
5.6%
6.4%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Oakland for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Oakland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $186,610 | +137% in Oakland |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $113,700 | +100% in Oakland |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $38,860 | +90% in Oakland |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,230 | $219,080 | +66% in Oakland |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $101,860 | +65% in Oakland |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $132,000 | +61% in Oakland |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,580 | $123,250 | +61% in Oakland |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $212,500 | +58% in Oakland |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 26% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $2,511 in Oakland.
What salary do I need in Oakland to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $75,646 a year gives the same standard of living in Oakland.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Oakland?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $109,576 in Oakland, 35% more in Oakland.