salaryDes Moines is 13% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Tempe to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,953
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,899
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$85,917
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$455,400
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
103.3
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$2,175
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$146
👥 People living there
212,421
188,065
Commute to work
19.5 min
20.9 min
College degree
29.7%
50%
Own their home
60.5%
42.3%
Below poverty line
15%
15.8%
Unemployment
5.6%
5.5%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Tempe for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, lower unemployment.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Tempe | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $47,530 | +133% in Tempe |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $100,830 | +28% in Tempe |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,670 | $78,080 | +23% in Tempe |
| Cashier | $29,640 | $34,920 | +18% in Tempe |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $63,750 | -15% in Tempe |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $102,520 | +9% in Tempe |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,070 | $39,170 | +9% in Tempe |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $61,780 | +9% in Tempe |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 13% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,953 in Tempe.
What salary do I need in Tempe to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $67,600 a year gives the same standard of living in Tempe.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Tempe?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $85,917 in Tempe, 17% more in Tempe.