2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Boston, MA vs West Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in West Des Moines or is it cheaper to live in Boston?
- West Des Moines is 42.6% less expensive than Boston.

Which city has more affordable housing, West Des Moines or Boston?
- West Des Moines housing costs are 59.9% less expensive than Boston housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Boston or is Health Care more affordable in West Des Moines.
- Health related expenses are 14.2% more in West Des Moines.
 Boston, MAWest Des Moines, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock86.6100
 Food & Groceries111.4  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.4100
 Housing228.7  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$282,300$338,100
 Utilities117  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock71.3100
 Miscellaneous157.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Boston    122 Reviews

Over 2 years ago

health care in the country, plenty of jobs, gorgeous architecture, cool neighborhoods, lots of great restaurants, and always something to do. The beautiful coast, the  More

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I've lived in/near Boston my whole life almost. It has many pros such as a big city feel, extremely safe, reliable train transportation, great food. However any pro  More

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I moved to MA from the country of Georgia in eastern Europe. Then traveled quite a bit in the U.S. Boston definitely has its own flavor. Suburbs offer okay schools,  More

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Reviews for West Des Moines    4 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

I just moved here from out-of-state a few months ago and have been pleasantly surprised by the broad range of activities and amenities available in this medium sized IA  More

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Over 16 years ago

Am contemplating a move to WDM from the East Coast (NYC). Might there be anyone out there that may have experienced this and could offer guidance or comment. Thanks.   More

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We just moved to West Des Moines and we love it here! We moved here three months ago and every weekend we have been able to do something different and fun. There is  More

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