City vs city
Baton Rouge, LA vs Des Moines, IA
- Rent is 2% lower in Baton Rouge (median $1,067/mo vs $1,090/mo in Des Moines).
- Homes cost 21% less in Des Moines ($195k vs $235k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $54 more a month after taxes and rent in Baton Rouge.
- Schools rate higher in Des Moines (2.1/10 vs 1.7/10).
- Des Moines has less violent crime (6.4 vs 9 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Baton Rouge has milder winters (52°F vs 22°F average).
- Baton Rouge gets more sun (217 vs 202 sunny days a year).
| Baton Rouge | Des Moines | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,067/mo | $1,090/mo |
| Median home value | $235k | $195k |
| Median household income | $50k | $66k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,910 | $3,856 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 1.7/10 | 2.1/10 |
| Violent crime | 2.5× the US rate | 1.8× the US rate |
| Summer average | 92°F | 86°F |
| Winter average | 52°F | 22°F |
| Sunny days a year | 217 | 202 |
| Walk score | 38 | 45 |
| Population | 222,771 | 212,421 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
Not sure it's either one?
Tell the AI matcher your budget, job and dealbreakers, and get cities that fit, with the real numbers.
Find my city