Akron vs Des Moines

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Akron has the same purchasing power as $82,407 in Des Moines.

Conversely, $75,000 in Des Moines equals $68,258 in Akron.

Living in Akron vs Des Moines

Housing Costs

Akron's housing index of 60 is lower Des Moines's 74, translating to median home prices of $146,000 vs $210,000. The $64,000 difference in home prices means roughly $4,164 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $875/mo in Akron compared to $1,100/mo in Des Moines, a monthly difference of $225.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 106 in Akron and 96 in Des Moines. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $504/month in Akron vs $456/month in Des Moines. Des Moines offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $576/year.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 80 in Akron and 93 in Des Moines. Monthly utility bills average approximately $320 in Akron vs $372 in Des Moines. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs index at 88 in Akron and 97 in Des Moines. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 9-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $48,500 in Akron and $55,958 in Des Moines. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $59,877 and $62,874 respectively. Des Moines residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,132/month to housing in Akron vs $1,306/month in Des Moines. In Akron, median rent of $875/mo fits within this budget. In Des Moines, median rent of $1,100/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Transportation, where the gap is 15 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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