City vs city
Des Moines, IA vs Fayetteville, NC
- Rent is 15% lower in Des Moines (median $1,090/mo vs $1,250/mo in Fayetteville).
- Homes cost 4% less in Fayetteville ($188k vs $195k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $180 more a month after taxes and rent in Des Moines.
- Schools rate higher in Fayetteville (4.7/10 vs 2.1/10).
- Fayetteville has milder winters (44°F vs 22°F average).
| Des Moines | Fayetteville | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,090/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $195k | $188k |
| Median household income | $66k | $58k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,856 | $3,676 |
| State income tax on wages | Yes | Yes |
| School rating | 2.1/10 | 4.7/10 |
| Violent crime | 1.8× the US rate | 1.7× the US rate |
| Summer average | 86°F | 91°F |
| Winter average | 22°F | 44°F |
| Sunny days a year | 202 | 215 |
| Walk score | 45 | 56 |
| Population | 212,421 | 210,815 |
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.
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