City Comparison
West Des Moines vs Dallas
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
Dallas
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 Dallas.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,412 | +3% |
| Groceries | $410 | $450 | -9% |
| Utilities | $175 | $281 | -38% |
| Transport | $115 | $126 | -9% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $135 | +78% |
| Monthly Total | $2,390 | $2,404 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
West Des Moines offers 18% 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 $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,469 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $88,500 | $70,518 |
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 | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| 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
West Des Moines has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Dallas.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dallas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x 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 | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 69,871 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 37.8 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.10% | 4.30% |
| 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
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
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
Dallas
#525Texas, USA
50.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between West Des Moines and Dallas.
Open Cost Calculator