salaryDes Moines is 4% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in St. Louis to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,297
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,264
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$60,569
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$197,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
95.1
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$2,033
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$117
👥 People living there
212,421
288,512
Commute to work
19.5 min
22.1 min
College degree
29.7%
41.1%
Own their home
60.5%
45.3%
Below poverty line
15%
20.6%
Unemployment
5.6%
5%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 3 more.
- Pick St. Louis for a more educated workforce, lower unemployment.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | St. Louis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $31,200 | +53% in St. Louis |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $77,170 | +23% in St. Louis |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $68,970 | +21% in St. Louis |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | $70,990 | +16% in St. Louis |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,940 | $39,110 | -11% in St. Louis |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $73,240 | -10% in St. Louis |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $41,780 | -10% in St. Louis |
| Cashier | $29,640 | $32,380 | +9% in St. Louis |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or St. Louis cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 4% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,297 in St. Louis.
What salary do I need in St. Louis to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $62,216 a year gives the same standard of living in St. Louis.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or St. Louis?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $60,569 in St. Louis, 17% more in Des Moines.