salaryDes Moines is 7% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Raleigh to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,822
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,658
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$92,099
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$415,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
98.2
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$3,048
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$133
👥 People living there
212,421
481,031
Commute to work
19.5 min
23 min
College degree
29.7%
54%
Own their home
60.5%
50.7%
Below poverty line
15%
11.9%
Unemployment
5.6%
4.4%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Raleigh for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $34,860 | +71% in Raleigh |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $45,640 | -20% in Raleigh |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $65,860 | -19% in Raleigh |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $60,540 | -19% in Raleigh |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | $50,820 | -17% in Raleigh |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $38,470 | -17% in Raleigh |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | $114,940 | +16% in Raleigh |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,880 | $41,900 | -14% in Raleigh |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,822 in Raleigh.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $64,224 a year gives the same standard of living in Raleigh.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Raleigh?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $92,099 in Raleigh, 23% more in Raleigh.