| | Des Moines, IA | Salem, VA | United States |
| Overall | 86.6 | 85.1 | 100 |
| Food & Groceries | 96.0 | 98.3 | 100 |
| Health | 102.4 | 111.1 | 100 |
| Housing | 57.8 | 72.2 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $175,700 | $260,300 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 8,960.0% | 10,260.0% | 10,000.0% |
| Transportation | 74.7 | 75.5 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 112.2 | 124.7 | 100 |
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Des Moines 
53 Reviews
Des Moines is a ok and pretty quiet place but as a teen it could be dramatic because Des Moines do have is fair or violents places to avoid in Des Moines would be the More
This city is violent, there are too many gangs especially on the north More
Good for the old that like slow pace and cheap buffets. Also good for non-descript mid-westerners that don't like a lot of action. No nightlife or mountains to hike More
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I am looking for property in More
When we moved from Glen Allen VA to Salem I had read on here that cost of living including housing was cheaper. Housing is less unless you want a house bigger than 1300 More
Salem is a lovely town surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains. Spring, Summer and Fall is exceptionally beautiful with moderate climate and lots of More
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