with $100k coming in, swapping out of Akron
changea dispatch from
des moines
IA
41.59°N
93.62°W
Des Moines is the Iowa State Fair every August (think butter cows, deep-fried everything, and the political circus of every presidential cycle), insurance industry stability, and a downtown that's grown into a genuinely good food and brewery scene. The East Village neighborhood is the cool kid pocket. The whole city is bikeable. Friendly, affordable, and chronically underestimated.
in our guides
the verdict
more expensive each month than Akron
Des Moines edges out a little pricier. Close enough that the decision rides on the days, not the dollars.
a quick ledger.
$1,268/mo
1% more expensive than Akron(vs $1,259/mo)
6%
$168/mo more in state tax than Akron
vs 3.99% in Akron
$6,565/mo
$177 less than Akron
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$300k
27% more expensive than Akron
vs $236k in Akron
737k
vs 698k in Akron
field notes, weather & such.
151
pleasant days a year, in des moines.
Akron has the edge here, logging 152 pleasant days a year. Winter shows up, though: 55 days below 20° vs Akron's 40.
39% more happening than in Akron.
55/100
15% lower than Akron
vs 65/100 in Akron
Closest outdoor draw: Rock Creek State Park, 40.2 mi.
78/100
3% higher than Akron
vs 76/100 in Akron
17
55% more than Akron
vs 11 nonstops in Akron
if des moines appeals, also worth a look:
