$100k a year, no longer in Olympia
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
less monthly outlay than Olympia
Des Moines is the easier version of your monthly budget. Lower rent, lighter monthly outlay.
a quick ledger.
$1,268/mo
36% cheaper than Olympia(vs $1,991/mo)
6%
$500/mo more in state tax than Olympia
vs 0% in Olympia
$6,565/mo
$223 more than Olympia
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$300k
44% cheaper than Olympia
vs $533k in Olympia
737k
vs 299k in Olympia
field notes, weather & such.
151
pleasant days a year, in des moines.
Olympia edges ahead with 182 pleasant days. Winter asks for something in return: 55 days under 20° here, 2 in Olympia.
55/100
31% lower than Olympia
vs 80/100 in Olympia
Closest outdoor draw: Rock Creek State Park, 40.2 mi.
78/100
11% lower than Olympia
vs 88/100 in Olympia
17
81% fewer than Olympia
vs 90 nonstops in Olympia
if des moines appeals, also worth a look:
