55
Overall Score /100
Wins 1 of 7 categories
72
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Des Moines wins 3–1
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Des Moines wins 1–3 overall (72/100)
💰 Des Moines is more affordable
💼 Des Moines has lower unemployment
🛡️ New York has fewer disasters
📋 New York vs Des Moines — The Verdict
Des Moines scores 72.8/100 compared to New York's 55.2/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Des Moines has a clear edge with home prices 77% 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 77% lower — a difference of $561,400 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Des Moines saves you $719/month — that's $8,628 per year.
💵
Households in New York earn $14,229 more per year (23% higher median income).
📊
Des Moines has a 1.1 percentage point lower unemployment rate, suggesting a stronger job market.
Median Home Value
$732,100
$170,700
Median Rent /mo
$1,714
$995
Median Income
$76,607
$62,378
The affordability gap is significant — Des Moines offers home prices 77% lower than New York, translating to $561,400 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)
0
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)
9
10
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from New York to Des Moines: Common Questions
Is New York or Des Moines cheaper to live in?
Des Moines is more affordable overall. Home prices are $561,400 lower in Des Moines. Monthly rent is $995 in Des Moines vs $1,714 in New York.
Does New York or Des Moines have better weather?
Des Moines scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is New York or Des Moines better for finding a job?
Des Moines currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in New York vs 3.5% in Des Moines. Median household income is $76,607 in New York and $62,378 in Des Moines.
Which city is safer — New York or Des Moines?
In terms of natural disaster risk, New York is safer. New York has had 9 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 10 in Des Moines. New York scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Des Moines.
Should I move from New York to Des Moines?
Based on our data, Des Moines scores 72.8/100 vs New York's 55.2/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Des Moines is more affordable, while Des Moines has a better climate.
Planning to move from New York 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.