salaryDes Moines is 12% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Philadelphia to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,814
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,623
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$66,816
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$243,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
102.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$2,003
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$112
👥 People living there
212,421
1,579,706
Commute to work
19.5 min
31.7 min
College degree
29.7%
35.4%
Own their home
60.5%
51.8%
Below poverty line
15%
21.4%
Unemployment
5.6%
8.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 4 more.
- Pick Philadelphia for a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Philadelphia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $36,570 | +79% in Philadelphia |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $78,050 | +37% in Philadelphia |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $101,180 | +29% in Philadelphia |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $78,570 | +27% in Philadelphia |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $170,660 | +27% in Philadelphia |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | $121,630 | +23% in Philadelphia |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $74,590 | +19% in Philadelphia |
| Cashier | $29,640 | $33,050 | +12% in Philadelphia |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 12% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,814 in Philadelphia.
What salary do I need in Philadelphia to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $67,101 a year gives the same standard of living in Philadelphia.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Philadelphia?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $66,816 in Philadelphia, 6% more in Des Moines.
More comparisons
All Des Moines comparisons → · All Philadelphia comparisons →