Performance
Score Breakdown
Multan
Des Moines
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Multan is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
76% lower compared to Des Moines.
Housing costs are a major driver: Multan's average rent is
81% lower than Des Moines's.
| Metric | Multan | Des Moines | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $143 | $744 | -81% |
| Groceries | $400 | $600 | -33% |
| Utilities | $112 | $150 | -25% |
| Transport | $7 | $800 | -99% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $500 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $662 | $2,794 | -76% |
| Cost Index | 28 | 92 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Des Moines offers 100% 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 Multan is estimated at
$417 vs $45,000 in Des Moines.
| Metric | Multan | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $175 | $54,311 |
| Salary Needed | $417 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 625 idx | 59,034 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Multan | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 48.00% | 64.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Multan has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Des Moines.
Multan scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Multan | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 65.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 134.40 | |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Multan is the larger city
— approximately 10.8x the population of Des Moines.
From a growth perspective, Multan 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 | Multan | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,313,000 | 214,237 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.44% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 20.4 | 34.4 |
| Unemployment | 5.42% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $34.1B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Multan
Advantages
The cost of living in Multan is significantly low, ranking among the least expensive cities globally.
Multan has an extensive public transportation system, including a metro bus, making city navigation easier.
Crime rates in Multan have seen a significant decline, with a 35% reduction in 2024 and a further 30% in early 2025.
The city is known for its high-quality mangoes, which are exported internationally.
Multan boasts a rich history and diverse culture, with numerous ancient shrines and historical sites.
Drawbacks
Multan experiences extremely hot summers, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C.
The city has faced significant air pollution challenges, at times ranking as one of the most polluted cities.
Road infrastructure, outside of major arteries, is often in poor condition.
There is a perceived lack of quality universities, leading many students to seek education in other cities.
The city is considered by some to be lacking in diverse entertainment and livelihood options, leading to a quieter atmosphere.
Des Moines
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Multan
#2Punjab, Pakistan
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$143
Avg Salary
$175
Cost Index
28
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
65.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.44%
Unemployment
5.42%
Livability
70
Business
60
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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