salaryDes Moines is 16% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Ontario to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$2,618
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$2,120
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$95,923
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$607,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
106.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$3,638
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$134
👥 People living there
212,421
180,547
Commute to work
19.5 min
31.5 min
College degree
29.7%
22.5%
Own their home
60.5%
58%
Below poverty line
15%
12.4%
Unemployment
5.6%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
- Pick Ontario for higher incomes, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Ontario | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $34,800 | +71% in Ontario |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $133,940 | +70% in Ontario |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $98,520 | +60% in Ontario |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $79,160 | +39% in Ontario |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,230 | $169,920 | +29% in Ontario |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $101,870 | +25% in Ontario |
| Physician Assistant | $133,830 | $165,490 | +24% in Ontario |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,670 | $76,970 | +21% in Ontario |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 16% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $2,618 in Ontario.
What salary do I need in Ontario to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $69,645 a year gives the same standard of living in Ontario.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Ontario?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $95,923 in Ontario, 26% more in Ontario.