Performance
Score Breakdown
Des Moines
Miami
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Des Moines is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
46% lower compared to Miami.
Housing costs are a major driver: Des Moines's average rent is
48% lower than Miami's.
| Metric | Des Moines | Miami | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,162 | $2,247 | -48% |
| Groceries | $400 | $765 | -48% |
| Utilities | $180 | $378 | -52% |
| Transport | $90 | $368 | -76% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $128 | +95% |
| Monthly Total | $2,082 | $3,886 | -46% |
| Cost Index | 81 | 120 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Des Moines offers 7% 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 $87,156 in Miami.
| Metric | Des Moines | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $87,156 |
| Purchasing Power | 80,247 idx | 50,750 idx |
| Household Income | $47,000 | $62,462 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Des Moines | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 66.00% | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Des Moines has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,500 minutes (58 hours) per year compared to Miami.
Miami scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Miami leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Des Moines | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 27 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 65.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 77.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 17.90 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Miami is the larger city
— approximately 0.4x the population of Des Moines.
From a growth perspective, Miami is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Miami has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Des Moines | Miami |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,232 | 489,812 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 2.07% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 39.3 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 2.80% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
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.
Miami
Advantages
Miami was ranked the second-most walkable city in the U.S. in 2025, with a walkability score of 77 out of 100.
The city boasts a diverse and growing economy, with strong sectors in technology, healthcare, and international trade.
Florida has no state income tax, which can be a significant financial advantage for residents and businesses.
Miami offers a vibrant cultural scene, influenced by its rich Latin American heritage, with diverse dining, music, and entertainment options.
The presence of highly-ranked hospitals like Baptist Health Baptist Hospital and Jackson Memorial Hospital ensures access to quality healthcare.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Miami is significantly higher than the national average, with housing expenses being 57% more expensive.
Average rent in Miami is 35% higher than the national average, making it one of the most expensive rental markets in the U.S..
While improving, traffic congestion can be a challenge, and car dependency remains a factor for many residents outside highly walkable areas.
The median household income in Miami ($62,462 in 2024) is lower than the national average, potentially impacting affordability for some residents.
Summers in Miami are hot and humid, with a high likelihood of rainfall and tropical weather events.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Des Moines
#9Iowa, 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
Miami
#3Florida, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$2,247
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
120
Commute
27 min
Transit Score
65.0/10
Walkability
77.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.07%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
82
Business
80
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