salaryDes Moines is 13% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Phoenix to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,893
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,729
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$87,717
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$420,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
103.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$1,850
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$181
👥 People living there
212,421
1,642,323
Commute to work
19.5 min
25.6 min
College degree
29.7%
33.6%
Own their home
60.5%
57.3%
Below poverty line
15%
13.7%
Unemployment
5.6%
5%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Phoenix for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Phoenix | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $47,530 | +133% in Phoenix |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $100,830 | +28% in Phoenix |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,670 | $78,080 | +23% in Phoenix |
| Cashier | $29,640 | $34,920 | +18% in Phoenix |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $63,750 | -15% in Phoenix |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $102,520 | +9% in Phoenix |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,070 | $39,170 | +9% in Phoenix |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $61,780 | +9% in Phoenix |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Phoenix cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,893 in Phoenix.
What salary do I need in Phoenix to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $67,600 a year gives the same standard of living in Phoenix.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Phoenix?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $87,717 in Phoenix, 19% more in Phoenix.