salaryDes Moines is 16% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Sacramento to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$2,152
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,950
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$94,176
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$506,300
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
106.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$3,842
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$127
👥 People living there
212,421
528,706
Commute to work
19.5 min
25.3 min
College degree
29.7%
37.1%
Own their home
60.5%
51.7%
Below poverty line
15%
13.9%
Unemployment
5.6%
6.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Sacramento for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Sacramento | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $171,460 | +118% in Sacramento |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $35,070 | +72% in Sacramento |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $103,390 | +68% in Sacramento |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $94,080 | +65% in Sacramento |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $111,460 | +36% in Sacramento |
| Civil Engineer | $97,330 | $130,150 | +34% in Sacramento |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $178,540 | +33% in Sacramento |
| Medical Assistant | $46,920 | $61,970 | +32% in Sacramento |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 16% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $2,152 in Sacramento.
What salary do I need in Sacramento to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $69,794 a year gives the same standard of living in Sacramento.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Sacramento?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $94,176 in Sacramento, 24% more in Sacramento.