salaryDes Moines is 12% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Worcester to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,266
$1,952
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,254
$1,720
💵 Families earn per year
$71,108
$75,605
🔑 Buying a house
$194,700
$374,400
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
91.7
102.5
🏛️ Property tax per year
$3,496
$4,733
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$149
👥 People living there
212,421
207,055
Commute to work
19.5 min
24.1 min
College degree
29.7%
35.2%
Own their home
60.5%
42.8%
Below poverty line
15%
19.6%
Unemployment
5.6%
6.5%
Bottom line
- Pick Des Moines for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
- Pick Worcester for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Des Moines | Worcester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | $36,840 | +80% in Worcester |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | $82,810 | +34% in Worcester |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | $100,240 | +27% in Worcester |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,670 | $79,060 | +24% in Worcester |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,070 | $44,250 | +23% in Worcester |
| Electrician | $62,840 | $75,510 | +20% in Worcester |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | $73,010 | +19% in Worcester |
| Accountant | $79,290 | $94,070 | +19% in Worcester |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is about 12% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,266 a month there versus $1,952 in Worcester.
What salary do I need in Worcester to match $60,000 in Des Moines?
About $67,081 a year gives the same standard of living in Worcester.
Where do people earn more, Des Moines or Worcester?
The typical household earns $71,108 in Des Moines and $75,605 in Worcester, 6% more in Worcester.