2025 Compare Cities Education:
Burlington, VT vs West Des Moines, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
- West Des Moines spends 36.7% less per student than Burlington.
- The Student Teacher Ratio is 23.4% higher in West Des Moines than in Burlington. (lower means fewer students in each classroom).
- West Des Moines had 3.8% more residents who had graduated High School compared to Burlington
 Burlington, VTWest Des Moines, IAUnited States
 Expend. per Student  Unlock$14,293$15,905
 Educ. Expend. per Student$20,332  Unlock$13,142
 Instr. Expend. per Student  Unlock$7,373$7,999
 Pupil/Teacher Ratio12.58  Unlock16.23
 Students per Librarian  Unlock7994573
 Students per Counselor230  Unlock530
 Grade School Educ.  Unlock1.3%4.8%
 Some High School Educ.4.6%  Unlock6.3%
 High School Educ.  Unlock96.6%88.9%
 Some College Educ.13.4%  Unlock20.0%
 2 yr College Grad.  Unlock9.6%8.7%
 4 yr College Grad.57.0%  Unlock33.7%
 Masters Grad.  Unlock13.3%9.3%
 Professional Degree4.3%  Unlock2.2%
 Doctorate Degree  Unlock1.6%1.5%
Reviews for Burlington    32 Reviews

The good: beautiful, safe, walkable downtown, outdoors nearby. The bad: the woke nonsense is overwhelming, winters are long and brutal, dating scene is beyond  More

   |    Reply

Having lived in the Burlington VT area for more than a decade, I wish I would have done my research before relocating. Yes, VT has some great draws- but the cons far out  More

   |    Reply

Over 8 years ago

If your a hippie you'll love Burlington! The grass is green all year round.  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Burlington

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of West Des Moines


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.