salaryDes Moines is 19% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Washington to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$2,370
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$2,192
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$118,495
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$737,100
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
108.9
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$4,312
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$96
👥 People living there
212,421
681,294
Commute to work
19.5 min
30 min
College degree
29.7%
64.2%
Own their home
60.5%
41.5%
Below poverty line
15%
15.4%
Unemployment
5.6%
6.3%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
- Pick Washington for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $46,040 | +126% in Washington |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | $156,460 | +58% in Washington |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | $195,190 | +45% in Washington |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $102,710 | +31% in Washington |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $79,470 | +29% in Washington |
| Accountant | $79,290 | $102,140 | +29% in Washington |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | $119,170 | +27% in Washington |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $102,070 | $127,040 | +24% in Washington |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Washington cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 19% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $2,370 in Washington.
What salary do I need in Washington to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $71,243 a year gives the same standard of living in Washington.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Washington?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $118,495 in Washington, 40% more in Washington.