2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
West Des Moines, IA vs Plainsboro, NJ

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Plainsboro or is it cheaper to live in West Des Moines?
- Plainsboro is 44.0% more expensive than West Des Moines.

Which city has more affordable housing, Plainsboro or West Des Moines?
- Plainsboro housing costs are 95.9% more expensive than West Des Moines housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in West Des Moines or is Health Care more affordable in Plainsboro.
- Health related expenses are 3.5% less in Plainsboro.
 West Des Moines, IAPlainsboro, NJUnited States
 Overall  Unlock124.7100
 Food & Groceries99.7  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock98.8100
 Housing91.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$728,800$338,100
 Utilities89  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock144.9100
 Miscellaneous112.5  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

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

Reviews for Plainsboro    3 Reviews

Over 11 years ago

My wife Rosanne and I have lived in Plainsboro for nearly 30 years. We have raised our three children here. WE LOVE IT!!! The schools are great, the community is  More

   |    Reply

We've lived in several different parts of the country, and when we found out we were moving to NJ due to my husband's new job, we bought into the stereotype and thought,  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

Plainsboro is clean, safe and quiet with excellent schools, affordable housing and good jobs  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Plainsboro


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.