salaryDes Moines is 7% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Richmond to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,644
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,520
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$69,657
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$353,000
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
97.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$3,150
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$141
👥 People living there
212,421
229,359
Commute to work
19.5 min
21.7 min
College degree
29.7%
45.6%
Own their home
60.5%
43.5%
Below poverty line
15%
18.2%
Unemployment
5.6%
5.7%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 4 more.
- Pick Richmond for a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Richmond | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $38,470 | +88% in Richmond |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $62,720 | -23% in Richmond |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $93,580 | +19% in Richmond |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $61,480 | -18% in Richmond |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | $51,870 | -15% in Richmond |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $40,270 | -13% in Richmond |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,880 | $42,660 | -13% in Richmond |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $104,250 | +11% in Richmond |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,644 in Richmond.
What salary do I need in Richmond to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $64,029 a year gives the same standard of living in Richmond.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Richmond?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $69,657 in Richmond, 2% more in Des Moines.