Question 1

Is Chicago or Des Moines cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Des Moines, IA is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $685/month less than in Chicago, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,781/mo in Chicago versus $1,318/mo in Des Moines.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Chicago vs Des Moines?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $81,000/year before tax in Chicago, IL and $64,500/year in Des Moines, IA — a difference of about $16,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Chicago 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 $9,545/month in Chicago and $8,227/month in Des Moines, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Chicago 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	Chicago61	Des Moines69
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,293	$3,608
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,545	$8,227
Salary for comfort	$81,000/yr	$64,500/yr
Typical rent	$1,781	$1,318
Median home value	$315,200	$183,700
Median household income	$75,134	$63,966
Unemployment	5.9%	3.5%
Housing score	52	84
Jobs score	7	84
Safety score	66	30
Climate score	89	81
Amenities score	73	38
Population	2.7M	212.5K
Summer high / winter low	85° / 21°	86° / 14°

Chicago, IL vs Des Moines, IA