Performance
Score Breakdown
Des Moines
Chittoor
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Chittoor is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
576% higher compared to Des Moines.
Housing costs are a major driver: Des Moines's average rent is
1017% higher than Chittoor's.
| Metric | Des Moines | Chittoor | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,162 | $104 | +1017% |
| Groceries | $400 | $104 | +285% |
| Utilities | $180 | $42 | +329% |
| Transport | $90 | $8 | +1025% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $50 | +400% |
| Monthly Total | $2,082 | $308 | +576% |
| Cost Index | 81 | 25 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Des Moines offers 2965% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Des Moines delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Des Moines is estimated at
$55,000 vs $36,000 in Chittoor.
| Metric | Des Moines | Chittoor |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $2,121 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $36,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 80,247 idx | 8,484 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Des Moines | Chittoor |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 66.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Des Moines has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,500 minutes (125 hours) per year compared to Chittoor.
Chittoor scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Chittoor leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Des Moines | Chittoor |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 35 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 17.90 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Chittoor is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Des Moines.
From a growth perspective, Chittoor is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Des Moines | Chittoor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,232 | 228,000 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.41% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 17.50% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.6B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Des Moines
Advantages
The Des Moines metropolitan area is experiencing population growth, with an estimated 573,000 residents in 2025, a 1.24% increase from the previous year.
The cost of living in Des Moines is generally lower than the U.S. average.
The average commute time in West Des Moines is just 18 minutes, indicating efficient transportation.
The housing market saw a 0.9% increase in home prices over the three months ending May 2026, with a median price of $217,000.
Des Moines is a major business hub with growing job markets in insurance, finance, and healthcare.
Drawbacks
The city proper of Des Moines has experienced a population decline of approximately -0.55% annually since 2020.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines are higher than the national average.
Summers in Des Moines are hot and humid, with muggy conditions increasing throughout the season.
The median household income in Des Moines ($47,000) is lower than the Iowa state average ($52,000).
The Des Moines housing market, while showing recent price increases, experienced a slight decline in median sale prices in 2024.
Chittoor
Advantages
Chittoor is a growing economic hub with expanding industries in agriculture, manufacturing, IT, and tourism.
The cost of living in Chittoor is considerably affordable compared to major Indian cities and Western countries.
The city benefits from strong transportation links, including rail and road networks, enhancing connectivity.
Chittoor offers a rich cultural and spiritual environment, being a gateway to significant religious sites.
The city has a high literacy rate of 85.71%, indicating a focus on education.
Drawbacks
The state of Andhra Pradesh, where Chittoor is located, experienced a high unemployment rate of 17.5% in September 2024.
Specific city-level data for median household income and average rent for 2024-2026 is not readily available, making detailed financial planning challenging.
While public transport exists, it may not be as extensive or efficient as in larger metropolitan areas, leading to medium car dependency.
Summers in Chittoor are scorching, with average highs reaching 102°F (39°C) in May, and high humidity.
Healthcare costs for specific services like home care, assisted living, or nursing homes are not readily available for the city.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Des Moines
#28Iowa, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,162
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
81
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
75
Chittoor
#7Andhra Pradesh, India
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$104
Avg Salary
$2,121
Cost Index
25
Commute
35 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
55.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.41%
Unemployment
17.50%
Livability
65
Business
60
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