salaryDes Moines is 22% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Diego to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$3,011
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$2,589
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$116,561
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$906,700
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
111.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$5,945
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$131
👥 People living there
212,421
1,389,526
Commute to work
19.5 min
23.5 min
College degree
29.7%
51%
Own their home
60.5%
47.3%
Below poverty line
15%
11%
Unemployment
5.6%
6%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Diego for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $139,520 | +77% in San Diego |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $35,850 | +76% in San Diego |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $97,000 | +57% in San Diego |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $110,400 | +35% in San Diego |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $178,220 | +32% in San Diego |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $123,790 | +32% in San Diego |
| Software Developer | $126,460 | $163,270 | +29% in San Diego |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,070 | $46,440 | +29% in San Diego |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or San Diego cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 22% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $3,011 in San Diego.
What salary do I need in San Diego to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $73,208 a year gives the same standard of living in San Diego.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or San Diego?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $116,561 in San Diego, 39% more in San Diego.