City Comparison
West Des Moines vs Des Moines
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
Des Moines
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Des Moines is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
13% lower than in West Des Moines.
Housing costs are a major driver: West Des Moines's average rent is
25% higher than Des Moines's.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Des Moines | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,450 | $1,162 | +25% |
| Groceries | $410 | $400 | +3% |
| Utilities | $175 | $180 | -3% |
| Transport | $115 | $90 | +28% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,390 | $2,082 | +15% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 81 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
West Des Moines offers 11% higher 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 West Des Moines is estimated at
$52,000 vs $55,000 in Des Moines.
| Metric | West Des Moines | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $52,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 73,469 idx | 80,247 idx |
| Household Income | $88,500 | $47,000 |
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 | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 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 | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 48.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 17.90 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Des Moines is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x 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 | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 69,871 | 209,232 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | — |
| Median Age | 37.8 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 3.10% | 4.10% |
| 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
Des Moines
Advantages
The Des Moines metropolitan area is experiencing population growth, with an estimated 573,000 residents in 2025, a 1.24% increase from the previous year.
The cost of living in Des Moines is generally lower than the U.S. average.
The average commute time in West Des Moines is just 18 minutes, indicating efficient transportation.
The housing market saw a 0.9% increase in home prices over the three months ending May 2026, with a median price of $217,000.
Des Moines is a major business hub with growing job markets in insurance, finance, and healthcare.
Drawbacks
The city proper of Des Moines has experienced a population decline of approximately -0.55% annually since 2020.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines are higher than the national average.
Summers in Des Moines are hot and humid, with muggy conditions increasing throughout the season.
The median household income in Des Moines ($47,000) is lower than the Iowa state average ($52,000).
The Des Moines housing market, while showing recent price increases, experienced a slight decline in median sale prices in 2024.
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
Des Moines
#234Iowa, USA
62.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,162
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
81
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
75
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