2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Salem, MA vs Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Are people in Des Moines older or younger than people in Salem?
- The Median Age in Des Moines is 3.4 years younger than in Salem.

Are housing costs cheaper in Des Moines or Salem?
- Des Moines housing costs are 65.3% less expensive than Salem housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Des Moines or Salem?
- The average commute for residents of Des Moines is 11.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Salem.

Things to do in Salem?
Salem, Massachusetts is situated in Essex county and gives residents plenty of culture attractions from Salem Witch Museum to House Of Seven Gables Museum Store along with various restaurants like Flying Saucer Pizza Company

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!

 Salem, MADes Moines, IAUnited States
 Population  Unlock213,545329,725,481
 Median Income$72,884  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock34.238.4
 Avg. Home Price$505,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock5.9%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.3  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Salem    4 Reviews

I've been in Salem, Massachusetts for a year now because it brought me up here for my husband's job. Salem may be a great place to visit during Halloween but other  More

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Over 12 years ago

My husband and I move to Salem, MA from Long Island NY five years ago and we love it! We kept on visiting for Halloween and we just decided to move here for the hell of  More

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Over 18 years ago

We are family friendly, albeit strange. We celebrate Halloween for a month. Check out the Haunted Happenings  More

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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

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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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