Question 1

Is Akron or Des Moines cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Des Moines, IA is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $35/month less than in Akron, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,268/mo in Akron versus $1,318/mo in Des Moines.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Akron vs Des Moines?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $66,500/year before tax in Akron, OH and $64,500/year in Des Moines, IA — a difference of about $2,000. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Akron or Des Moines cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Des Moines, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $8,975/month in Akron and $8,227/month in Des Moines, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Akron or Des Moines?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Des Moines costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Akron61	Des Moines69
Est. monthly cost (single)	$3,643	$3,608
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$8,975	$8,227
Salary for comfort	$66,500/yr	$64,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,268	$1,318
Median home value	$111,200	$183,700
Median household income	$48,544	$63,966
Unemployment	4.2%	3.5%
Housing score	69	84
Jobs score	68	84
Safety score	20	30
Climate score	71	81
Amenities score	35	38
Population	189.5K	212.5K
Summer high / winter low	83° / 20°	86° / 14°

Akron, OH vs Des Moines, IA