📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between West Des Moines and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
West Des Moines vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | West Des Moines | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $83,637 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 3.5% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $316,000 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $199 | $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) | 301.8 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 54.8% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 31 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Chicago vs. West Des Moines: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
So you’re trying to decide between a world-class metropolis and a booming Midwestern suburb. It’s not exactly apples-to-apples—it’s more like comparing a roaring bonfire to a cozy, efficient furnace. On one side, you have Chicago: the Windy City, a global hub of finance, culture, and deep-dish pizza. On the other, West Des Moines: the fast-growing, family-friendly edge of Iowa’s capital, where the cornfields meet the suburbs.
Choosing between them isn't just about picking a place to live; it's about choosing a lifestyle. Are you chasing the electric energy of a 24/7 city, or are you looking for a community with room to breathe, top-tier schools, and a mortgage that doesn’t cause a panic attack?
Let’s break it down, stat by stat, vibe by vibe.
The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metropolis vs. Suburban Sanctuary
Chicago is a beast of a city. It’s not just a city; it’s a collection of over 70 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality. You’ve got the historic brownstones of Lincoln Park, the gritty artist lofts of Pilsen, and the high-rise luxury of the Loop. The culture here is relentless. You can catch a Broadway show, dive into world-class museums, eat at Michelin-starred restaurants, and still have energy for live blues in a basement bar. It’s a city for go-getters, for people who feed off the energy of crowds and the anonymity of a metropolis. Who is it for? Young professionals chasing careers, foodies, art lovers, and anyone who wants to feel like they're at the center of the universe.
West Des Moines, on the other hand, is the definition of curated suburban living. It’s not a sleepy town—it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa—but its pace is deliberate. The vibe is clean, safe, and community-oriented. Think farmers' markets, sprawling parks like Raccoon River Park, and a downtown area that feels more like a charming, walkable village than an urban core. The nightlife is quiet, the traffic is manageable (mostly), and the focus is squarely on family, space, and quality of life. Who is it for? Families prioritizing schools and safety, young professionals who want a city job without the city chaos, and retirees seeking a calm, comfortable environment.
Verdict: If you crave the buzz and cultural depth of a major metropolis, Chicago is your winner. If your ideal weekend involves a bike trail and a quiet dinner at a local bistro, West Des Moines takes the crown.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Go Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. At first glance, the numbers look similar. West Des Moines has a slightly higher median income ($83,637 vs. $74,474), but Chicago is a much larger, more expensive city. The real story is in the cost of living and the concept of "purchasing power."
Let's put them side-by-side. The data below uses a cost-of-living index where the national average is 100.
| Category | Chicago, IL | West Des Moines, IA | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $316,000 | West Des Moines is 13% cheaper to buy a home. |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $899 | Rent in Chicago is 68% higher. A massive difference. |
| Housing Index | 110.7 | 86.1 | Housing in Chicago is 28% above the national average; West Des Moines is 14% below. |
| Overall Index* | ~120-130 | ~90-95 | Chicago is 20-30% more expensive overall. |
*Overall Index estimates based on standard COL calculators.
The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Let’s run a scenario. You earn a $100,000 salary. In Chicago, after taxes and the higher cost of living, your effective purchasing power is closer to what $65,000 - $70,000 would feel like in a mid-sized city. The $1,507 average rent alone will eat up a significant portion of your take-home pay.
In West Des Moines, that same $100,000 feels like a king's ransom. With a median home price of $316,000 and rent at $899, your money stretches dramatically further. You could afford a nice apartment, save aggressively, and still have disposable income for entertainment. The $83,637 median income in West Des Moines buys a much higher standard of living than the $74,474 median income in Chicago.
Taxes: Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%, while Iowa’s is progressive, ranging from 3.9% to 6.5%. However, Iowa’s property taxes are generally lower than Illinois’ (which are notoriously high). When you factor in the massive difference in housing costs, West Des Moines almost always comes out ahead on the total tax burden for a median-income household.
Verdict: For pure financial sense and purchasing power, West Des Moines is the undisputed winner. Your $100k salary will feel like $130k in West Des Moines compared to Chicago.
The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying
Chicago: The housing market is a tale of two cities. In desirable neighborhoods like Lincoln Park or Lakeview, you're in a fierce seller's market. Bidding wars are common, and inventory is tight. The median home price of $365,000 is a bit misleading; for a single-family home in a "good" school district, you're often looking at $500k+. Renting is the norm for many, especially young professionals. It offers flexibility but comes with the constant threat of rent hikes and the challenge of finding a pet-friendly, decent-sized unit in a safe area at a reasonable price.
West Des Moines: The market here is hot, but in a different way. It's a strong seller's market driven by demand from families and professionals moving in. The median home price of $316,000 gets you a modern, single-family home in a safe, well-maintained subdivision. The competition is real, but you're not bidding against investment firms or tech money on the same scale as in Chicago. Renting is cheaper and more available, but the city is fundamentally built around homeownership. If you want to put down roots and build equity, West Des Moines is far more accessible.
Verdict: For renters, West Des Moines offers affordability and availability. For buyers, West Des Moines provides more house for your money and a clearer path to ownership. West Des Moines wins this round.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
This is where personal preference trumps data. Let's talk about the gritty, real-life factors.
Traffic & Commute:
- Chicago: Infamous. The "L" (elevated train) is a lifesaver, but driving is a nightmare. The Kennedy and Dan Ryan Expressways are legendary for gridlock. A 10-mile commute can easily take 45-60 minutes. Parking in the city is expensive and scarce.
- West Des Moines: Commutes are a breeze. Rush hour exists, but it's measured in minutes, not hours. Getting from a suburb like West Des Moines to downtown Des Moines takes 15-25 minutes. You can often find free parking. The city is designed for cars, though bike paths are expanding.
Weather:
- Chicago: Brutal winters. The city gets hit with lake-effect snow, and temperatures frequently plunge below 0°F with wind chills making it feel like -20°F. Summers can be hot and humid (90°F+), but the lakefront offers a breeze. You endure all four seasons in their extremes.
- West Des Moines: Also has four distinct seasons, but it's slightly milder. Winters are cold (average low in Jan is 15°F), but snowfall is less extreme than Chicago's. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), similar to Chicago. The weather is a classic Midwestern swing, but without the brutal lake effect.
Crime & Safety:
This is the most sensitive and important category.
- Chicago: The data is stark. The violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100,000 people. This is 2.7 times higher than West Des Moines. While it's crucial to know that crime is hyper-concentrated in specific neighborhoods, the city-wide statistic is a reality that affects everyone's perception of safety. You must be vigilant, and neighborhood research is non-negotiable.
- West Des Moines: The violent crime rate is 301.8 per 100,000. This is still above the national average, but it's significantly lower than Chicago's. The city is widely considered safe, with a strong police presence and community focus. It's a place where kids can still play outside in many neighborhoods.
Verdict: For commute and weather, West Des Moines is easier. For safety, the data is crystal clear: West Des Moines is the winner by a wide margin.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Which City?
After digging into the data and the daily realities, here’s the final breakdown.
- Winner for Families: West Des Moines. The superior schools, lower crime rates, affordable housing, and community-focused lifestyle make it a no-brainer for raising kids.
- Winner for Singles & Young Pros: Chicago (with caveats). If you're in your 20s/early 30s and your career thrives on networking, energy, and endless entertainment, Chicago is unparalleled. However, if you value financial stability and a more balanced life, West Des Moines offers a fantastic launchpad with a much better quality of life for the price.
- Winner for Retirees: West Des Moines. The safety, lower cost of living, manageable size, and peaceful environment are ideal for a relaxed retirement. Chicago’s high taxes and urban wear-and-tear can be taxing on a fixed income.
Chicago: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- World-class culture, dining, and nightlife.
- Robust public transit system (the "L").
- Major airport hub (O'Hare) for easy travel.
- Endless professional opportunities in diverse industries.
- Vibrant, diverse neighborhoods to explore.
Cons:
- Extremely high cost of living, especially rent.
- High violent crime rate (819.0/100k).
- Brutal winters with heavy snow and cold.
- Infamous traffic and long commutes.
- High property taxes and overall financial pressure.
West Des Moines: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Significantly lower cost of living and housing.
- Much safer (violent crime: 301.8/100k).
- Excellent schools and family-friendly environment.
- Short, manageable commutes.
- Growing economy with a strong job market (insurance, tech, ag).
- Cleaner, less crowded, and more relaxed pace.
Cons:
- Limited nightlife and cultural amenities compared to a major city.
- Car-dependent; public transit is minimal.
- Smaller airport (DSM) requires connections for most flights.
- Can feel "boring" or homogeneous if you crave urban diversity.
- Still gets hot, humid summers and cold winters.
The Bottom Line: Choose Chicago if you're willing to pay a premium for the unparalleled energy and opportunities of a global city, and you can navigate its challenges. Choose West Des Moines if you want a financially sensible, safe, and high-quality suburban life without sacrificing access to city amenities. It’s the pragmatic choice for most.