City Comparison
Clinton vs West Des Moines
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
West Des Moines scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Clinton
West Des Moines
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Clinton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
29% lower than in West Des Moines.
Housing costs are a major driver: Clinton's average rent is
41% lower than West Des Moines's.
| Metric | Clinton | West Des Moines | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,450 | -41% |
| Groceries | $360 | $410 | -12% |
| Utilities | $165 | $175 | -6% |
| Transport | $110 | $115 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $240 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $1,705 | $2,390 | -29% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 98 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
West Des Moines offers 25% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, West Des Moines delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Clinton is estimated at
$42,000 vs $52,000 in West Des Moines.
| Metric | Clinton | West Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,000 | $72,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,854 idx | 73,469 idx |
| Household Income | $53,500 | $88,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.1°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Clinton sees 2 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Clinton | West Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.50°F | 52.60°F |
| Summer High | 81.20°F | 83.20°F |
| Winter Low | 15.80°F | 16.20°F |
| Rainfall | 31.30 in | 36.20 in |
| Snowfall | 22.80 in | 20.80 in |
| Sunny Days | 265 | 274 |
| Humidity | 70.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
West Des Moines scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Clinton | West Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 42.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 48.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 25.00 | 38.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
West Des Moines is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Clinton.
From a growth perspective, West Des Moines is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, West Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Clinton | West Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,469 | 69,871 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 1.50% |
| Median Age | 42.1 | 37.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 3.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Clinton
Advantages
Median home prices in Clinton are drastically lower than the national average per Zillow data.
Average commute times are under 20 minutes, allowing for minimal daily transit stress.
Abundant access to Mississippi River recreation, parks, and outdoor trails.
Strong local manufacturing and industrial employment base offering stable jobs.
Low cost of living index that stretches retirement and family budgets effectively.
Drawbacks
Limited high-tech and corporate remote work professional infrastructure.
Cold, snowy winter conditions typical of eastern Iowa can be harsh.
Limited public transit options require heavy reliance on personal vehicles.
Slower population growth compared to major U.S. metropolitan areas.
Fewer high-end dining and major entertainment venues within city limits.
West Des Moines
Advantages
Consistently ranked among the safest cities in Iowa with crime rates well below the national average
Exceptional public school districts that routinely score near the top statewide for academic performance
Thriving economic hub with major employers like Wells Fargo and a low local unemployment rate
Abundant green spaces, including over 35 public parks and extensive multi-use trail networks
Vibrant retail and dining scene anchored by Jordan Creek Town Center and Historic Valley Junction
Drawbacks
Housing costs and property taxes have risen steadily due to high demand and rapid suburban expansion
High reliance on automobile transportation with limited public transit coverage outside main corridors
Winters can be harsh and prolonged with significant snowfall and freezing temperatures
Rental inventory for mid-priced apartments can be tight during peak moving seasons
Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger metropolitan core cities
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Clinton
#291Iowa, USA
61.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$54,000
Cost Index
82
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
265/yr
Avg Temp
51.50°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
70
Business
62
West Des Moines
#28Iowa, USA
72.2 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,450
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
274/yr
Avg Temp
52.60°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
3.10%
Livability
84
Business
76
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