salaryDes Moines is 15% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Vancouver to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,894
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,788
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$87,723
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$462,400
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
105.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$3,899
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$105
👥 People living there
212,421
195,300
Commute to work
19.5 min
23.2 min
College degree
29.7%
32.3%
Own their home
60.5%
50.8%
Below poverty line
15%
10.2%
Unemployment
5.6%
5.7%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick Vancouver for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Vancouver | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $54,780 | +168% in Vancouver |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $105,090 | +67% in Vancouver |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $130,310 | +66% in Vancouver |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | $85,170 | +50% in Vancouver |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $101,010 | +35% in Vancouver |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $82,330 | +34% in Vancouver |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $123,100 | +31% in Vancouver |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,670 | $83,510 | +31% in Vancouver |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 15% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,894 in Vancouver.
What salary do I need in Vancouver to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $68,977 a year gives the same standard of living in Vancouver.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Vancouver?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $87,723 in Vancouver, 19% more in Vancouver.