salaryDes Moines is 3% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Pittsburgh to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,621
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,484
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$70,903
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$205,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
94.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$1,822
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$114
👥 People living there
212,421
304,759
Commute to work
19.5 min
22.7 min
College degree
29.7%
49.1%
Own their home
60.5%
47.7%
Below poverty line
15%
20.1%
Unemployment
5.6%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 4 more.
- Pick Pittsburgh for a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Pittsburgh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $35,470 | +74% in Pittsburgh |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $72,230 | +27% in Pittsburgh |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $76,550 | +24% in Pittsburgh |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $75,960 | -19% in Pittsburgh |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,580 | $63,190 | -17% in Pittsburgh |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,880 | $42,790 | -12% in Pittsburgh |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $69,340 | +10% in Pittsburgh |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $41,830 | -10% in Pittsburgh |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 3% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,621 in Pittsburgh.
What salary do I need in Pittsburgh to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $61,943 a year gives the same standard of living in Pittsburgh.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Pittsburgh?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $70,903 in Pittsburgh, 0% more in Des Moines.