63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Des Moines wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Des Moines wins 0–3 overall (72/100)
💰 Des Moines is more affordable
💼 Des Moines has lower unemployment
📋 Chicago vs Des Moines — The Verdict
Des Moines scores 72.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Des Moines has a clear edge with home prices 44% lower. Des Moines has a significantly tighter job market with unemployment at 3.5%. Des Moines may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Des Moines are 44% lower — a difference of $133,800 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Des Moines saves you $319/month — that's $3,828 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $9,295 more per year (15% higher median income).
📊
Des Moines has a 1.1 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$170,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$995
Median Income
$71,673
$62,378
The affordability gap is significant — Des Moines offers home prices 44% lower than Chicago, translating to $133,800 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
3.5%
Both cities offer competitive employment, with Des Moines having a slight edge at 3.5% unemployment. Industry fit may matter more than the overall rate.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
56 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
10
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Des Moines: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is more affordable overall. Home prices are $133,800 lower in Des Moines. Monthly rent is $995 in Des Moines vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Des Moines have better weather?
Des Moines scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Des Moines better for finding a job?
Des Moines currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 3.5% in Des Moines. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $62,378 in Des Moines.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Des Moines?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Des Moines is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Des Moines. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Des Moines.
Should I move from Chicago to Des Moines?
Based on our data, Des Moines scores 72.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Des Moines is more affordable, while Des Moines has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Des Moines?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 5, 2026.