salaryDes Moines is 21% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Seattle to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$2,273
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$2,549
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$133,583
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$938,600
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
111.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$7,337
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$109
👥 People living there
212,421
754,195
Commute to work
19.5 min
26 min
College degree
29.7%
68.4%
Own their home
60.5%
43.7%
Below poverty line
15%
9.9%
Unemployment
5.6%
4.6%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Seattle for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Seattle | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $57,280 | +181% in Seattle |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $101,090 | +78% in Seattle |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $102,920 | +67% in Seattle |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $128,260 | +63% in Seattle |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $101,780 | +62% in Seattle |
| Cashier | $29,640 | $44,210 | +49% in Seattle |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | $146,030 | +48% in Seattle |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $133,740 | +43% in Seattle |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 21% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $2,273 in Seattle.
What salary do I need in Seattle to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $72,714 a year gives the same standard of living in Seattle.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Seattle?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $133,583 in Seattle, 47% more in Seattle.