salaryDes Moines is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Rochester to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,331
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,281
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$50,919
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$139,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
97.0
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$3,152
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$155
👥 People living there
212,421
208,772
Commute to work
19.5 min
19.3 min
College degree
29.7%
30%
Own their home
60.5%
38.1%
Below poverty line
15%
27.8%
Unemployment
5.6%
7.9%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 2 more.
- Pick Rochester for cheaper homes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Rochester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $45,310 | +122% in Rochester |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $89,120 | +57% in Rochester |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $77,310 | +23% in Rochester |
| Cashier | $29,640 | $33,850 | +14% in Rochester |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $40,050 | -14% in Rochester |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $92,920 | +14% in Rochester |
| Medical Assistant | $46,920 | $41,710 | -11% in Rochester |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $148,150 | +10% in Rochester |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,331 in Rochester.
What salary do I need in Rochester to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $63,490 a year gives the same standard of living in Rochester.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Rochester?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $50,919 in Rochester, 40% more in Des Moines.