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
31% lower compared to Tampa.
Housing costs are a major driver: Des Moines's average rent is
35% lower than Tampa's.
| Metric | Des Moines | Tampa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,162 | $1,800 | -35% |
| Groceries | $400 | $552 | -28% |
| Utilities | $180 | $294 | -39% |
| Transport | $90 | $120 | -25% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,082 | $3,016 | -31% |
| Cost Index | 81 | 100 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Des Moines offers similar 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 $70,000 in Tampa.
| Metric | Des Moines | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $70,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 80,247 idx | 65,000 idx |
| Household Income | $47,000 | $84,114 |
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 | 66.00% | 74.00% |
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.
For walkability, Tampa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Des Moines | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 31.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 17.90 | 55.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | 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.
On the employment side, Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Des Moines | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,232 | 419,635 |
| Pop. Growth | % | 1.47% |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 35.9 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.80% |
| 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.
Tampa
Advantages
Tampa's job market is experiencing significant growth, particularly in education, health services, and financial activities.
The city has seen a substantial reduction in total crime (14.8%) and violent crime (8.4%) in 2024.
The median household income in Tampa increased by over 15% between 2023 and 2024.
Tampa offers a high quality of life with abundant outdoor activities and a vibrant cultural scene.
Healthcare costs in Tampa are generally lower than the Florida state average.
Drawbacks
The violent crime rate in Tampa (444.6 per 100,000) was higher than the national average in 2024.
Housing costs, particularly median home values, have seen a significant increase, making homeownership less accessible for some.
Tampa's population growth rate has slowed in 2024 compared to previous years, with fewer new residents moving to the city.
The city's overall walkability score is moderate, indicating a reliance on cars for many errands.
The unemployment rate in Tampa (4.8% in April 2026) is slightly above the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Des Moines
#21Iowa, 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
Tampa
#21Florida, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
100
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
31.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.47%
Unemployment
4.80%
Livability
70
Business
75
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