2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Des Moines, IA vs Birmingham, AL

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Highlights
Are people in Birmingham older or younger than people in Des Moines?
- The Median Age in Birmingham is 2.0 years older than in Des Moines.

Are housing costs cheaper in Birmingham or Des Moines?
- Birmingham housing costs are 42.3% less expensive than Des Moines housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Birmingham or Des Moines?
- The average commute for residents of Birmingham is 2.7 minutes longer than it is for residents of Des Moines.

Things to do in Des Moines?
Des Moines, Iowa is an exciting city full of possibilities for those who want to experience something new. Nature lovers can explore the trails at Water Works Park and admire the views of downtown from the Des Moines Riverwalk. History buffs can visit the State Capitol Building or learn more about local culture at the African American Museum of Iowa and Salisbury House & Garden. Arts enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the many galleries in town while foodies can find delicious eats at a variety of restaurants in the area. Shopping fans will love browsing through Jordan Creek Town Center or Valley West Mall. With its wide selection of attractions, Des Moines is an absolute must-visit destination!

Things to do in Birmingham?
Birmingham, Alabama is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions for everyone. History buffs can explore the 16th Street Baptist Church, which was the site of a civil rights movement protest bombing in 1963, and visit sites like Kelly Ingram Park to learn more about the city's past. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Red Mountain Park and Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, while sports fans can cheer on their favorite team at Regions Field. Foodies can try all kinds of delicious eats throughout the city, and shoppers should take advantage of good deals at The Summit or Riverchase Galleria malls. With its rich history and wide selection of activities, Birmingham is an exciting place to visit!

 Des Moines, IABirmingham, ALUnited States
 Population  Unlock202,234329,725,481
 Median Income$58,444  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$175,700  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.6%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time18.83  Unlock26.38
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

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Dude · 
Over 5 years ago

This city is violent, there are too many gangs especially on the north  More

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Over 6 years ago

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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Reviews for Birmingham    25 Reviews

Birmingham is better than ever, meaning it is beginning to gain half of the stuff a normal city of its size has. The food scene is definitely an exception and is above  More

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Lived in the Birmingham for years. The small city was divided by the historical train tracks into the north half and the south one. The north section was the  More

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Over 5 years ago

I moved to Birmingham 6.5 years ago for a new job. The city is very boring in my opinion, there isn't much to do over the weekend except shopping or eating out. Summer  More

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