Performance
Score Breakdown
Amherst
Des Moines
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Amherst is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
30% lower compared to Des Moines.
Housing costs are a major driver: Amherst's average rent is
73% higher than Des Moines's.
| Metric | Amherst | Des Moines | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,290 | $744 | +73% |
| Groceries | $353 | $600 | -41% |
| Utilities | $132 | $150 | -12% |
| Transport | $185 | $800 | -77% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $500 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $1,960 | $2,794 | -30% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 92 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Des Moines offers 46% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Des Moines delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Amherst is estimated at
$40,000 vs $45,000 in Des Moines.
| Metric | Amherst | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $29,060 | $54,311 |
| Salary Needed | $40,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 30,915 idx | 59,034 idx |
| Household Income | $49,410 | $63,212 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Amherst | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | % | 64.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Amherst has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Des Moines.
Des Moines scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
| Metric | Amherst | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 50.0/10 | 50.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 134.40 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Des Moines is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Amherst is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Des Moines has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Amherst | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,072 | 214,237 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 46.2 | 34.4 |
| Unemployment | 6.50% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $34.1B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Amherst
Advantages
The cost of living in Amherst is 6% lower than the Canadian national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Housing costs are significantly lower, at 37% below the national average, offering more accessible homeownership and rental opportunities.
The town is actively working on growth and community enhancement, with 149 new housing units approved since 2025 and a strategic plan for development.
Amherst provides access to natural beauty, including nearby beaches and a network of waterfalls, supporting outdoor activities.
The Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre offers comprehensive 24/7 medical services as a regional hospital.
Drawbacks
Amherst's crime rates are considerably higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 197% higher.
Public transportation options are very limited, with only 0.4% of commuters using it, leading to high car dependency.
The average salary in Amherst is lower than the Canadian national average, potentially impacting earning power.
The median age of 46.2 suggests a relatively older population demographic.
Specific data on various quality of life metrics like dining and entertainment options is not extensively available, suggesting a smaller scene compared to larger cities.
Des Moines
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Amherst
#7Nova Scotia, Canada
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,290
Avg Salary
$29,060
Cost Index
94
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
6.50%
Livability
60
Business
55
Des Moines
#14Iowa, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$744
Avg Salary
$54,311
Cost Index
92
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
50.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
85
Business
80
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Amherst and Des Moines.
Open Cost Calculator