Head to head
Des Moines, IA vs Wichita, KS
Wichita is cheaper — estimated essentials for a single person run about $192/mo less, and living comfortably there takes roughly $2,000 less in annual salary (taxes included).
It flips for a family. For a household of four, Des Moines is the cheaper of the two — rent scales to household size using each city's own bedroom spread, and that spread is far steeper in some markets than others.
| Metric | Des Moines69 | Wichita60 |
|---|---|---|
| Est. monthly cost (single) | $3,738 | $3,546 |
| Est. monthly cost (household of 4) | $6,993 | $7,007 |
| Salary for comfort | $67,500/yr | $65,500/yr |
| Typical rent | $1,318 | $1,099 |
| Median home value | $183,700 | $179,500 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $63,072 |
| Unemployment | 3.3% | 4.1% |
| Housing score | 86 | 94 |
| Jobs score | 84 | 37 |
| Safety score | 30 | 6 |
| Climate score | 81 | 96 |
| Amenities score | 38 | 40 |
| Population | 212.5K | 396.5K |
| Summer high / winter low | 86° / 14° | 92° / 22° |
Fit scores use the reference profile (single, $6,700/mo gross, default weights). Green marks the better value per row.
Des Moines, IA
Wichita, KS