same $100k income, fresh start from Des Moines
changea dispatch from
ocala
FL
29.19°N
82.13°W
Ocala is the horse capital of the world (it actually has more thoroughbred horses than Lexington, Kentucky), with rolling hills of horse farms unlike anywhere else in Florida. Silver Springs (one of the largest artesian springs in the world) is right next door, with glass-bottom boats and clear blue water. Surprisingly hilly. Slower than the coastal cities, with a quietly strong equestrian economy.
the verdict
cheaper each month than Des Moines
On paper, Ocala and Des Moines are twins. In practice they live very differently.
a quick ledger.
$1,616/mo
27% more expensive than Des Moines(vs $1,268/mo)
0%
$500/mo less in state tax than Des Moines
vs 6% in Des Moines
$6,717/mo
$152 more than Des Moines
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$277k
8% cheaper than Des Moines
vs $300k in Des Moines
410k
vs 737k in Des Moines
field notes, weather & such.
208
pleasant days a year, in ocala.
Des Moines only manages 151 of those.
But the calendar thins out: Des Moines stays 46.0× busier.
62/100
13% higher than Des Moines
vs 55/100 in Des Moines
Closest outdoor draw: Silver River State Park, 6.4 mi.
63/100
19% lower than Des Moines
vs 78/100 in Des Moines
5
71% fewer than Des Moines
vs 17 nonstops in Des Moines
compare ocala with:
