đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Des Moines and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
Des Moines vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Des Moines | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $60,882 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $211,500 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $186 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $899 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 86.1 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 95.1 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 567.0 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 31.2% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 35 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Chicago vs. Des Moines: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown
Let’s be real: choosing between Chicago and Des Moines is like deciding between a roaring rock concert and a cozy acoustic set. Both have their rhythm, their crowd, and their own kind of magic. But for your wallet, your career, and your sanity, one is almost certainly a better fit.
As a relocation expert, I’ve seen people make the move for love, a job, or just a fresh start. Chicago is the undisputed heavyweight of the Midwest—a global city with deep pockets and deep winters. Des Moines is the scrappy, rising contender—a state capital that’s quietly become one of America’s best-kept secrets for affordability and quality of life.
This isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about where you’ll feel at home, where your paycheck stretches further, and whether you can handle a -20°F wind chill or a 90°F humid summer. Let’s dive in.
The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Big City Comfort
Chicago is a beast. It’s the city of broad shoulders, world-class museums, and a skyline that literally takes your breath away. The culture is electric—diverse neighborhoods, a legendary food scene, and a nightlife that doesn’t quit. It’s a place where ambition meets architecture. You go to Chicago to do things: climb the corporate ladder, catch a Cubs game, or spend a Saturday exploring 20 different cultures in as many neighborhoods. It’s for the hustler, the culture vulture, and anyone who thrives on energy.
Des Moines is the opposite of a hustle culture. It’s Midwestern polite, family-friendly, and surprisingly vibrant for its size. The vibe is less “concrete jungle” and more “green oasis.” We’re talking a booming farmers' market, a nationally recognized bike trail system, and a downtown that feels more like a well-kept secret than a tourist trap. It’s a city where you can own a home, have a short commute, and still get to a major concert or a great restaurant without a 45-minute Uber ride. Des Moines is for the achiever who values balance—the person who wants a career but also wants to be home for dinner.
Who’s it for?
- Chicago: The ambitious professional, the arts lover, the urban explorer who wants endless options.
- Des Moines: The young family, the remote worker craving space, the budget-conscious professional who wants a high quality of life without the high cost.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Actually Live?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Earning a six-figure salary in Chicago feels different than earning the same in Des Moines. Let’s break down the cold, hard cash.
Cost of Living Breakdown: Head-to-Head
| Category | Chicago | Des Moines | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $211,500 | Des Moines is 42% cheaper to buy a home. That’s a life-changing difference. |
| 1-BR Rent | $1,507 | $899 | You save $608/month in Des Moines. That’s $7,296/year back in your pocket. |
| Housing Index | 110.7 | 86.1 | Chicago’s housing is 28% more expensive than the national average. Des Moines is 14% cheaper. |
| Median Income | $74,474 | $60,882 | Chicago pays more, but the cost of living eats into that advantage. |
Salary Wars: The "Purchasing Power" Test
Let’s run a scenario. You’re a professional earning $100,000. Where does it feel like more?
- In Chicago: After taxes (Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax), your take-home is roughly $72,000. But with a median home price of $365k and high city taxes, your housing costs (mortgage or rent) could eat up 35-40% of your take-home pay. That’s manageable for some, but it’s a significant chunk.
- In Des Moines: After Iowa’s progressive income tax (top rate 6.5%), your take-home is similar, around $70,000. But your housing costs? A median home of $211k means your mortgage could be under 20% of your take-home. The difference is staggering. You could afford a nice home, save aggressively, and still have money for fun.
The Tax Insight: Illinois has a higher overall tax burden (income, high sales, property taxes). Iowa’s tax burden is lower, especially on property. That $211k home in Des Moines will have a far lower annual tax bill than a $365k home in Chicago.
Verdict on Dollar Power: Des Moines wins, 2-0. For the vast majority of earners, your money simply goes significantly further in Des Moines. Chicago offers higher salaries and more high-paying industries, but the cost of living is a relentless competitor.
The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?
Chicago: A Buyer’s Market (Finally?)
After years of being a seller’s paradise, Chicago’s market is cooling. High interest rates have tempered demand, giving buyers a bit more breathing room. However, the city is vast. A $365k home could be a condo in a trendy neighborhood or a single-family home in a quieter, outer-borough area. Competition is fierce for the "good stuff" at a good price. Availability is decent, but quality at a low price point is tough.
Des Moines: The First-Time Buyer’s Dream
This is Des Moines’ strongest card. The market is hotter in terms of demand relative to supply, but the baseline prices are so low that it doesn’t sting. For a young couple or family, owning a home isn’t a distant dream—it’s a realistic goal within a few years. The $211,500 median means you can find a solid, move-in-ready house in a safe, family-friendly suburb. The competition is there, but it’s not the cutthroat bidding wars you see in major metros.
Verdict: Des Moines is the clear winner for aspiring homeowners. Chicago is a great rental market if you’re not ready to buy, but the path to ownership is steeper.
The Dealbreakers: Life Beyond the Price Tag
Traffic & Commute
- Chicago: Traffic is legendary. The "L" (elevated train) is efficient for getting downtown, but if you live in the suburbs, your commute can easily be 60-90 minutes each way. Driving is stressful and expensive (parking, gas, tolls).
- Des Moines: Traffic is a non-issue. The average commute is under 20 minutes. You can live in a quiet suburb or a farmette and still be downtown in 25 minutes. The stress level is a fraction of Chicago’s.
Weather: The Great Equalizer
Both cities are brutal winters, but Chicago takes it to another level.
- Chicago: Winters are long, dark, and brutal. Average temps hover around 21°F, but the wind chill can plunge to -20°F. Snow is frequent, and the city is gray for months. Summers are glorious but can be humid and crowded.
- Des Moines: Winters are also cold (25°F average), but the "Lake Effect" snow of Chicago is absent. Springs and falls are stunning, with vibrant colors. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), but the green spaces provide relief.
Verdict: It’s a tie. If you hate extreme cold, both are tough. If you hate humidity, Chicago might be slightly better in summer (thanks to the lake breeze).
Crime & Safety
Let’s be direct: both cities have crime, but the scale and perception differ wildly.
- Chicago: With a violent crime rate of 819.0/100k, it’s statistically higher than the U.S. average. However, this is highly concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Many areas (Lincoln Park, Lakeview, the Loop) are very safe. It requires street smarts and research.
- Des Moines: A rate of 567.0/100k is lower than Chicago’s, but still above the national average. It’s generally considered safe, especially in the suburbs. Violent crime exists but is less pervasive.
Verdict: Des Moines is statistically safer and feels safer to most residents. Chicago has safe pockets but requires more vigilance and knowledge.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Relocation?
This isn’t about one city being "better." It’s about which city aligns with your life stage, priorities, and tolerance for chaos and cost.
Winner for Families
Des Moines
The math is undeniable. You can own a home ($211k vs. $365k), your commute is short, the schools in the suburbs are excellent, and the community is family-centric. The lower stress and financial freedom to save for college and retirement make it the clear choice for raising kids.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals
Chicago (But with a Caveat)
If you’re in your early 20s and want to be in the heart of the action—networking, dating, cultural events—Chicago’s energy is unmatched. However, if you’re a young professional who values financial growth and a work-life balance, Des Moines is a smarter play. You can build a career here without the crushing cost, and your social life can still be rich. For the pure "scene," Chicago wins. For smart growth, Des Moines is the dark horse.
Winner for Retirees
Des Moines
Chicago is a fantastic city to visit, but retiring there can be a financial challenge. High property taxes, cold winters, and a higher cost of living can strain a fixed income. Des Moines offers a mild (by Midwest standards) climate, a safe environment, excellent healthcare (with world-class Mayo Clinic nearby in Rochester), and a cost of living that lets your retirement savings stretch much further.
City Pros & Cons at a Glance
Chicago: The Big Beat
PROS:
- World-Class City: Unbeatable culture, food, museums, and sports.
- Career Hub: Endless opportunities in finance, tech, law, and more.
- Public Transit: The "L" is extensive and car-optional for many.
- Diversity & Neighborhoods: 77 distinct neighborhoods to explore.
CONS:
- Sticker Shock: $365k median home price and $1,507 rent are just the start.
- Brutal Winters: Long, gray, and expensive (heating bills, car upkeep).
- Traffic & Commute: Can be soul-crushing.
- Higher Crime: Requires research and street smarts.
Des Moines: The Steady Rise
PROS:
- Affordability King: $211k homes and $899 rent.
- Short Commutes: Under 20 minutes on average.
- Family-Friendly: Great schools, safe suburbs, community focus.
- Surprising Culture: Vibrant arts, music, and food scene for its size.
CONS:
- Limited "Big City" Options: Fewer world-class museums, major concerts, or direct international flights.
- Smaller Networking Pool: Fewer Fortune 500 HQs and specialized industries.
- Summers Can Be Humid: Though manageable with AC and lakes.
- Less Diverse: While improving, it’s less culturally diverse than Chicago.
The Bottom Line
Choose Chicago if: You prioritize career advancement and cultural immersion over financial comfort. You can handle the cold and the cost to be in a global hub. You’re a "big city" person at heart, and the energy fuels you.
Choose Des Moines if: You prioritize financial freedom, work-life balance, and homeownership. You want a high quality of life without the high price tag. You’re building a future (family, savings) and want a city that supports it.
My final advice? If you’re on the fence, do a test drive. Spend a weekend in Chicago and another in Des Moines. Walk the neighborhoods. Feel the commute. Eat the food. Your gut will tell you which rhythm fits your life best.