Des Moines, IA vs West Des Moines, IA: Cost of Living Comparison
Des Moines has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Des Moines | West Des Moines | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 75 | 93 | Des Moines |
| Housing | 53 ($738) | 82 ($836) | Des Moines |
| Transportation | 104 ($3.50) | 98 ($3.50) | West Des Moines |
| Food & groceries | 86 ($353) | 114 ($467) | Des Moines |
| Utilities | 77 ($95) | 91 ($148) | Des Moines |
| Healthcare | 77 ($69) | 91 ($107) | Des Moines |
| Median annual wage | 100 ($48,540) | 100 ($48,540) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines, IA or West Des Moines, IA cheaper to live in?
Des Moines, IA is cheaper overall by about 18 index points (Des Moines, IA: 75, West Des Moines, IA: 93; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Des Moines, IA vs West Des Moines, IA?
A single adult needs roughly $26,250/year in Des Moines, IA and $32,550/year in West Des Moines, IA to cover basic living costs.