City Comparison
West Des Moines vs Akron
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
Akron
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
West Des Moines is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
8% lower than in Akron.
Housing costs are a major driver: West Des Moines's average rent is
29% higher than Akron's.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Akron | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,123 | +29% |
| Groceries | $410 | $742 | -45% |
| Utilities | $175 | $234 | -25% |
| Transport | $115 | $357 | -68% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $130 | +85% |
| Monthly Total | $2,390 | $2,586 | -8% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 85 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Akron offers 1% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Akron 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 $66,000 in Akron.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $73,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $66,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,469 idx | 85,882 idx |
| Household Income | $88,500 | $48,076 |
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 | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
West Des Moines scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | — |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 48.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Akron is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of West Des Moines.
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 | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 69,871 | 189,664 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | — |
| Median Age | 37.8 | 36.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.10% | 3.80% |
| 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
Akron
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Akron is 15% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable city.
Housing costs are significantly lower than the national average, with average monthly rent at $1,123 and median home prices around $153,000.
Akron has a diverse economy with strong industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and the polymer sector.
The city offers a public transportation system (METRO RTA) with affordable monthly passes at $50.
Healthcare costs in Akron are approximately 14% lower than the national average.
Drawbacks
Akron has a high crime rate, with an overall crime rate 50% above the national average and a safety grade of C-.
The city is experiencing a projected population decline of -0.9% annually.
Akron has a negative job growth rate, with a 0.461% decline in employed population in 2024.
The lifestyle in Akron is largely car-dependent, with most errands requiring a vehicle and an average Walk Score of 48.
The median household income of $48,076 in 2024 is below 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
Akron
#575Ohio, USA
46.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$73,000
Cost Index
85
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
—
Walkability
48.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
65
Business
55
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between West Des Moines and Akron.
Open Cost Calculator