salaryDes Moines is 6% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Tucson to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,358
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,285
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$61,553
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$266,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
96.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$1,786
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$143
👥 People living there
212,421
547,073
Commute to work
19.5 min
21.9 min
College degree
29.7%
31.1%
Own their home
60.5%
51.8%
Below poverty line
15%
18.9%
Unemployment
5.6%
6.2%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, higher incomes and 4 more.
- Pick Tucson for a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Tucson | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $36,490 | +79% in Tucson |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $47,220 | -23% in Tucson |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,580 | $59,540 | -22% in Tucson |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $59,070 | -21% in Tucson |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $107,510 | -20% in Tucson |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | $49,110 | -20% in Tucson |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $94,110 | +20% in Tucson |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,670 | $75,940 | +19% in Tucson |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Tucson cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 6% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,358 in Tucson.
What salary do I need in Tucson to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $63,399 a year gives the same standard of living in Tucson.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Tucson?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $61,553 in Tucson, 16% more in Des Moines.