Performance
Score Breakdown
Des Moines
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
6% higher compared to Des Moines.
Housing costs are a major driver: Des Moines's average rent is
22% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Des Moines | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,162 | $950 | +22% |
| Groceries | $400 | $342 | +17% |
| Utilities | $180 | $295 | -39% |
| Transport | $90 | $180 | -50% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $200 | +25% |
| Monthly Total | $2,082 | $1,967 | +6% |
| Cost Index | 81 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 8% 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 Des Moines is estimated at
$55,000 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Des Moines | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 80,247 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $47,000 | $49,724 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Des Moines | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 66.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Toledo scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Toledo leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Des Moines | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 45.0/10 | 46.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 17.90 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Des Moines.
From a growth perspective, Des Moines 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 | Des Moines | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,232 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 38.0 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 4.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Des Moines
Advantages
The Des Moines metropolitan area is experiencing population growth, with an estimated 573,000 residents in 2025, a 1.24% increase from the previous year.
The cost of living in Des Moines is generally lower than the U.S. average.
The average commute time in West Des Moines is just 18 minutes, indicating efficient transportation.
The housing market saw a 0.9% increase in home prices over the three months ending May 2026, with a median price of $217,000.
Des Moines is a major business hub with growing job markets in insurance, finance, and healthcare.
Drawbacks
The city proper of Des Moines has experienced a population decline of approximately -0.55% annually since 2020.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines are higher than the national average.
Summers in Des Moines are hot and humid, with muggy conditions increasing throughout the season.
The median household income in Des Moines ($47,000) is lower than the Iowa state average ($52,000).
The Des Moines housing market, while showing recent price increases, experienced a slight decline in median sale prices in 2024.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Des Moines
#23Iowa, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,162
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
81
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
75
Toledo
#69Ohio, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
46.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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