salaryDes Moines is 7% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Virginia Beach to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,924
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,712
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$100,266
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$382,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
97.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$3,061
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$161
👥 People living there
212,421
456,349
Commute to work
19.5 min
23.4 min
College degree
29.7%
40.9%
Own their home
60.5%
65.1%
Below poverty line
15%
8.6%
Unemployment
5.6%
4%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Virginia Beach for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Virginia Beach | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $39,020 | +91% in Virginia Beach |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | $59,690 | -27% in Virginia Beach |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,880 | $38,150 | -22% in Virginia Beach |
| Plumber | $75,040 | $61,870 | -18% in Virginia Beach |
| Truck Driver | $60,720 | $50,460 | -17% in Virginia Beach |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | $51,500 | -16% in Virginia Beach |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | $39,160 | -16% in Virginia Beach |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $89,450 | +14% in Virginia Beach |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Virginia Beach cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,924 in Virginia Beach.
What salary do I need in Virginia Beach to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $64,083 a year gives the same standard of living in Virginia Beach.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Virginia Beach?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $100,266 in Virginia Beach, 29% more in Virginia Beach.
More comparisons
All Des Moines comparisons → · All Virginia Beach comparisons →
Des Moines vs Moreno ValleyDes Moines vs FayettevilleDes Moines vs FontanaDes Moines vs McKinneyDes Moines vs YonkersDes Moines vs Cape CoralVirginia Beach vs Long BeachVirginia Beach vs MiamiVirginia Beach vs OaklandVirginia Beach vs RaleighVirginia Beach vs MinneapolisVirginia Beach vs Colorado Springs