City Comparison
West Des Moines vs Aiken
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
West Des Moines scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
West Des Moines
Aiken
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
West Des Moines is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
1% lower than in Aiken.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Aiken | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,400 | +4% |
| Groceries | $410 | $400 | +3% |
| Utilities | $175 | $236 | -26% |
| Transport | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,390 | $2,406 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
West Des Moines offers 9% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Aiken 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 $55,000 in Aiken.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $65,884 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,469 idx | 74,027 idx |
| Household Income | $88,500 | $76,746 |
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 | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
West Des Moines has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Aiken.
West Des Moines scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Aiken leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
West Des Moines is the larger city
— approximately 2.1x the population of Aiken.
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 | West Des Moines | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 69,871 | 33,306 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 37.8 | 46.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.10% | 3.40% |
| 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
Aiken
Advantages
The cost of living in Aiken is approximately 11% lower than the national average.
Aiken boasts a higher homeownership rate of 68.1% as of 2024.
The city offers a mild climate with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown.
Aiken County's unemployment rate of 3.4% in April 2026 is lower than the national average.
The average commute time of 24 minutes is considered manageable.
Drawbacks
Aiken's transportation system is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options.
The city's safety index of 30 suggests a higher crime rate compared to national benchmarks.
Aiken County's poverty rate of 14.3% is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
While the downtown is walkable, the city overall has a lower walkability score due to car dependency.
Some utility costs are reported to be slightly higher than the national average.
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
Aiken
#322South Carolina, USA
60.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$65,884
Cost Index
89
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
55.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
72
Business
65
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