salaryDes Moines is 15% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Portland to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,874
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,915
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$98,056
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$581,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
105.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$5,743
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$106
👥 People living there
212,421
641,165
Commute to work
19.5 min
24.1 min
College degree
29.7%
53.8%
Own their home
60.5%
52%
Below poverty line
15%
12.7%
Unemployment
5.6%
5.8%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Portland for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Portland | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $54,780 | +168% in Portland |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $105,090 | +67% in Portland |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $130,310 | +66% in Portland |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $85,170 | +50% in Portland |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $101,010 | +35% in Portland |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $82,330 | +34% in Portland |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $123,100 | +31% in Portland |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,670 | $83,510 | +31% in Portland |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Portland cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 15% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,874 in Portland.
What salary do I need in Portland to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $68,977 a year gives the same standard of living in Portland.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Portland?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $98,056 in Portland, 27% more in Portland.