Performance
Score Breakdown
Dallas
Des Moines
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Des Moines is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
29% higher compared to Dallas.
Housing costs are a major driver: Dallas's average rent is
156% higher than Des Moines's.
| Metric | Dallas | Des Moines | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,907 | $744 | +156% |
| Groceries | $450 | $600 | -25% |
| Utilities | $224 | $150 | +49% |
| Transport | $780 | $800 | -3% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $500 | -50% |
| Monthly Total | $3,611 | $2,794 | +29% |
| Cost Index | 103 | 92 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 22% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dallas delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Dallas is estimated at
$73,000 vs $45,000 in Des Moines.
| Metric | Dallas | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $66,419 | $54,311 |
| Salary Needed | $73,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 64,484 idx | 59,034 idx |
| Household Income | $70,518 | $63,212 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Dallas | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | 64.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Des Moines has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,000 minutes (83 hours) per year compared to Dallas.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Des Moines leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Dallas | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 30 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 45.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 46.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 69.00 | 134.40 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 6.2x the population of Des Moines.
From a growth perspective, Des Moines is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Dallas has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Dallas | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,336,440 | 214,237 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.52% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 33.4 | 34.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.90% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $34.1B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime rates, including murders, have seen significant year-over-year decreases in 2024 and 2025, indicating improving safety.
Dallas-Fort Worth is a major economic powerhouse with strong job creation and a diverse range of thriving industries like IT, Financial Services, and Healthcare.
The city was ranked as the No. 1 most affordable city in the world for dining out in 2025, offering excellent culinary experiences at reasonable prices.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has shown strong new business growth, with a 28% increase in new business account applications from 2024 to 2025.
Dallas offers a vibrant cultural scene, extensive entertainment options, and numerous parks and outdoor activities, contributing to a high quality of life.
Drawbacks
Despite improvements in crime rates, police response times remain high, which can be a concern for residents in emergency situations.
Dallas is a car-dependent city with an average walk score of 46, and drivers experience significant traffic congestion, losing an average of 69 hours in traffic in 2024.
Summers in Dallas are characterized by scorching heat and stifling humidity, with average highs reaching 96°F and frequently exceeding 100°F.
While housing is relatively affordable compared to some major U.S. cities, home prices in Dallas saw a decline of 1.52% from December 2024 to December 2025, indicating a cooling market.
Utilities costs in Dallas are notably higher than the national average, impacting overall monthly expenses.
Des Moines
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Dallas
#19Texas, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,907
Avg Salary
$66,419
Cost Index
103
Commute
30 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
46.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
68
Business
80
Des Moines
#14Iowa, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$744
Avg Salary
$54,311
Cost Index
92
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
85
Business
80
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