salaryDes Moines is 20% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Jose to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$168
👥 People living there
212,421
990,138
Commute to work
19.5 min
27.3 min
College degree
29.7%
47.3%
Own their home
60.5%
55.8%
Below poverty line
15%
8.1%
Unemployment
5.6%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick San Jose for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $216,740 | +176% in San Jose |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $152,100 | +167% in San Jose |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $301,320 | +124% in San Jose |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $41,920 | +105% in San Jose |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,580 | $141,960 | +85% in San Jose |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,230 | $231,560 | +75% in San Jose |
| Software Developer | $126,460 | $213,110 | +69% in San Jose |
| Physician Assistant | $133,830 | $223,640 | +67% in San Jose |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 20% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $3,046 in San Jose.
What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $72,250 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or San Jose?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $157,922 in San Jose, 55% more in San Jose.