Performance
Score Breakdown
Des Moines
Tampa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Des Moines is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
3% lower compared to Tampa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Des Moines's average rent is
62% lower than Tampa's.
| Metric | Des Moines | Tampa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $744 | $1,951 | -62% |
| Groceries | $600 | $418 | +44% |
| Utilities | $150 | $294 | -49% |
| Transport | $800 | $120 | +567% |
| Healthcare | $500 | $92 | +443% |
| Monthly Total | $2,794 | $2,875 | -3% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 104 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Tampa offers 28% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Tampa delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Des Moines is estimated at
$45,000 vs $53,832 in Tampa.
| Metric | Des Moines | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $54,311 | $75,475 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $53,832 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,034 idx | 72,572 idx |
| Household Income | $63,212 | $75,475 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Des Moines | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 64.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Des Moines has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Tampa.
Tampa scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Des Moines | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 38.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 134.40 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Tampa is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Des Moines.
From a growth perspective, Tampa is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
| Metric | Des Moines | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 214,237 | 401,618 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | 1.54% |
| Median Age | 34.4 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $34.1B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Des Moines
Tampa
Advantages
Strong and diverse job market with growth in key sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology.
More affordable cost of living compared to other major Florida cities and national averages, especially in housing.
Vibrant cultural scene with numerous attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues.
Warm climate and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, including beaches and parks.
Growing entrepreneurial ecosystem with support for startups and business innovation.
Drawbacks
Car dependency is high, with limited public transportation options for some areas.
Traffic congestion can be an issue, particularly during peak hours.
Some neighborhoods experience higher crime rates, requiring awareness of safety in specific areas.
Humidity and heat during summer months can be intense.
Housing market, while relatively affordable, has seen price increases and can be competitive.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Des Moines
#17Iowa, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$744
Avg Salary
$54,311
Cost Index
92
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
85
Business
80
Tampa
#21Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,951
Avg Salary
$75,475
Cost Index
104
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
38.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.54%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
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