salaryDes Moines is 14% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in St. Paul to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,443
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,553
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$79,155
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$294,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
104.8
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$3,822
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$143
👥 People living there
212,421
307,284
Commute to work
19.5 min
21.1 min
College degree
29.7%
43.8%
Own their home
60.5%
52.9%
Below poverty line
15%
15.6%
Unemployment
5.6%
5.4%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick St. Paul for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, lower unemployment.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | St. Paul | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $75,040 | $101,630 | +35% in St. Paul |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $103,040 | +31% in St. Paul |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $39,350 | -31% in St. Paul |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $81,890 | +30% in St. Paul |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $79,730 | +29% in St. Paul |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,580 | $97,910 | +28% in St. Paul |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $25,920 | +27% in St. Paul |
| HVAC Technician | $62,640 | $77,490 | +24% in St. Paul |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 14% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,443 in St. Paul.
What salary do I need in St. Paul to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $68,585 a year gives the same standard of living in St. Paul.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or St. Paul?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $79,155 in St. Paul, 10% more in St. Paul.