City Comparison
Fort Dodge vs Des Moines
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Des Moines scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Fort Dodge
Des Moines
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Fort Dodge is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
18% lower than in Des Moines.
Housing costs are a major driver: Fort Dodge's average rent is
27% lower than Des Moines's.
| Metric | Fort Dodge | Des Moines | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $850 | $1,162 | -27% |
| Groceries | $350 | $400 | -13% |
| Utilities | $170 | $180 | -6% |
| Transport | $110 | $90 | +22% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $1,700 | $2,082 | -18% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 81 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Des Moines offers 20% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Des Moines delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Fort Dodge is estimated at
$42,000 vs $55,000 in Des Moines.
| Metric | Fort Dodge | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,415 idx | 80,247 idx |
| Household Income | $53,500 | $47,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Fort Dodge runs warmer on average — a 50.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Fort Dodge comes out ahead with 255 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Fort Dodge sees 37.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Fort Dodge | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 50.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 80.70°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 12.80°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 40.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 37.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 255 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Fort Dodge has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Des Moines.
Fort Dodge scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Fort Dodge | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 17.90 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Des Moines is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Fort Dodge.
From a growth perspective, Fort Dodge is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Fort Dodge | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,869 | 209,232 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 39.5 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Fort Dodge
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living are significantly lower than the US national average per Census Bureau data.
Short average commute times allow residents to spend less time in traffic and more time on personal pursuits.
Strong regional healthcare presence anchored by UnityPoint Health - Trinity Regional Medical Center.
Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities along the Des Moines River and local parks system.
Active local arts scene highlighted by the Blanden Memorial Art Museum.
Drawbacks
Cold winter climates with significant snowfall can pose challenges for daily travel and outdoor activities.
Limited public transportation options necessitate high car dependency for daily commuting and errands.
Slower population growth compared to larger metropolitan areas in Iowa like Des Moines.
Fewer high-paying corporate headquarters positions within the immediate city limits.
Nightlife and entertainment options are more limited compared to larger urban centers.
Des Moines
Advantages
The Des Moines metropolitan area is experiencing population growth, with an estimated 573,000 residents in 2025, a 1.24% increase from the previous year.
The cost of living in Des Moines is generally lower than the U.S. average.
The average commute time in West Des Moines is just 18 minutes, indicating efficient transportation.
The housing market saw a 0.9% increase in home prices over the three months ending May 2026, with a median price of $217,000.
Des Moines is a major business hub with growing job markets in insurance, finance, and healthcare.
Drawbacks
The city proper of Des Moines has experienced a population decline of approximately -0.55% annually since 2020.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines are higher than the national average.
Summers in Des Moines are hot and humid, with muggy conditions increasing throughout the season.
The median household income in Des Moines ($47,000) is lower than the Iowa state average ($52,000).
The Des Moines housing market, while showing recent price increases, experienced a slight decline in median sale prices in 2024.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Fort Dodge
#261Iowa, USA
62.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$850
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
82
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
255/yr
Avg Temp
50.20°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
72
Business
65
Des Moines
#234Iowa, USA
62.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,162
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
81
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
75
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Fort Dodge and Des Moines.
Open Cost Calculator