Des Moines, WA vs Mesa, AZ
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Des Moines
64.6
#1684 nationally
Mesa
67
#1475 nationally
Des Moines leads in crime level (8.1 vs 13.2). Mesa leads in average commute (24.8 min vs 30.2 min). Mesa leads in cost of living index (112 vs 133).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines, WA | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 64.6 (#1684) | 67 (#1475) |
| Population | 31,988 | 511,648 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $607,792 | $433,754 |
| Median Household Income | $81,362 | $73,766 |
| Average Commute | 30.2 min | 24.8 min |
| Walk Score | 41 | 38 |
| Crime Level | 8.1 | 13.2 |
| School Rating | N/A | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 133 | 112 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+51.7 | R+3.5 |
D
64.6 Score
Des Moines, WA
Small Washington city with local appeal
Median Home
$607,792
Population
31,988
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
41
Pacific
View Des Moines, WA →
D+
67 Score
Mesa, AZ
Major Arizona city with a diverse economy
Median Home
$433,754
Population
511,648
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
38
Southwest
View Mesa, AZ →