Performance
Score Breakdown
Kapolei
Des Moines
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Des Moines is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
151% higher compared to Kapolei.
Housing costs are a major driver: Kapolei's average rent is
194% higher than Des Moines's.
| Metric | Kapolei | Des Moines | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $3,420 | $1,162 | +194% |
| Groceries | $459 | $400 | +15% |
| Utilities | $396 | $180 | +120% |
| Transport | $200 | $90 | +122% |
| Healthcare | $759 | $250 | +204% |
| Monthly Total | $5,234 | $2,082 | +151% |
| Cost Index | 151 | 81 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Des Moines offers 28% lower 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 Kapolei is estimated at
$85,000 vs $55,000 in Des Moines.
| Metric | Kapolei | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $46,510 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $85,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,801 idx | 80,247 idx |
| Household Income | $128,324 | $47,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Kapolei | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 66.00% | 66.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Des Moines has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Kapolei.
For walkability, Des Moines leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Kapolei | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 40.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 17.90 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Des Moines is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Kapolei.
From a growth perspective, Kapolei is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Kapolei has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Kapolei | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,844 | 209,232 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.49% | % |
| Median Age | 35.3 | 38.0 |
| Unemployment | 2.40% | 4.10% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Kapolei
Advantages
Kapolei is experiencing rapid development and expanding infrastructure, offering urban amenities without the intense hustle of Honolulu.
The city provides a family-friendly environment with excellent schools, parks, and community centers.
Residents have abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, including access to pristine beaches and hiking trails.
Kapolei offers diverse employment opportunities across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and hospitality.
The overall crime rate in Kapolei is 26% below the national average, contributing to a sense of safety.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Kapolei is 51% higher than the national average, primarily driven by high housing, utility, and grocery costs.
Traffic congestion is a significant issue, particularly during commute hours, impacting travel times.
Public transportation options are limited, and the city is largely car-dependent.
Healthcare access can be a challenge, despite good quality, with Hawaii ranking 39th nationally for access in 2025.
Utility costs, including electricity and internet, are among the highest in the nation due to Hawaii's reliance on imported fuel.
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Kapolei
#48Hawaii, USA
71.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$3,420
Avg Salary
$46,510
Cost Index
151
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
40.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.49%
Unemployment
2.40%
Livability
68
Business
70
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
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