City Comparison
West Des Moines vs Urbandale
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Urbandale scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
West Des Moines
Urbandale
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Urbandale is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
23% lower than in West Des Moines.
Housing costs are a major driver: West Des Moines's average rent is
42% higher than Urbandale's.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Urbandale | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,021 | +42% |
| Groceries | $410 | $400 | +3% |
| Utilities | $175 | $141 | +24% |
| Transport | $115 | $125 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $150 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $2,390 | $1,837 | +30% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
West Des Moines offers 31% higher 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 West Des Moines is estimated at
$52,000 vs $40,840 in Urbandale.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Urbandale |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $55,170 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $40,840 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,469 idx | 61,300 idx |
| Household Income | $88,500 | $112,795 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
West Des Moines runs warmer on average — a 52.6°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, West Des Moines comes out ahead with 274 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — West Des Moines sees 20.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Urbandale |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 52.60°F | °F |
| Summer High | 83.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 16.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 36.20 in | in |
| Snowfall | 20.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 274 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
West Des Moines scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, West Des Moines leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Urbandale |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 19 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 32.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
West Des Moines is the larger city
— approximately 1.4x the population of Urbandale.
From a growth perspective, West Des Moines is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Urbandale has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Urbandale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 69,871 | 49,154 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 37.8 | 39.2 |
| Unemployment | 3.10% | 2.50% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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
Urbandale
Advantages
Urbandale boasts a very low crime rate, being 66% lower than the national average, making it one of Iowa's safest sizeable cities.
The cost of living in Urbandale is 10% lower than the national average, with housing and utility expenses being particularly affordable.
The city offers a high quality of life, supported by numerous parks, extensive trail systems, and a strong sense of community.
Urbandale has a thriving economy with a 2.25% job growth rate from 2023 to 2024, driven by strong sectors like Finance & Insurance and Healthcare.
Public schools accessible to Urbandale residents generally perform above the state average, contributing to a high quality of life.
Drawbacks
Urbandale is largely car-dependent, with a low Walk Score of 32, meaning most errands require a vehicle.
While DART bus routes exist, the public transit system is not extensive, leading to a low Transit Score.
There are no major general hospitals located directly within Urbandale's city limits, requiring residents to travel to nearby Des Moines for comprehensive hospital care.
The city's lifestyle, while safe and family-friendly, is sometimes described as lacking a vibrant nightlife or particularly exciting entertainment options.
Despite overall affordability, the median property value in Urbandale is slightly above the national average, which could be a barrier for some homebuyers.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
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
Urbandale
#11Iowa, USA
75.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,021
Avg Salary
$55,170
Cost Index
90
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
32.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
90
Business
75
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