Can I Afford to Live in Durham vs Des Moines on $60K?
Here's how a $60K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Durham NC | Des Moines IA |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $3,568 | $3,508 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,200 |
| Groceries (est.) | $372 | $365 |
| Transport (est.) | $82 | $50 |
| Utilities | $155 | $155 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,147/month | $1,678/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $60K a good salary in Durham?
At $60K/year in Durham, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,568. With 1BR rent around $1,750/month, rent takes up 49% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Is $60K a good salary in Des Moines?
At $60K/year in Des Moines, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,508. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 34% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Which city is more affordable on a $60K salary?
Des Moines leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,678/month vs $1,147/month in Durham.
Can I afford to live alone in Durham on $60K?
It's tight. Rent in Durham would take 49% of your $60K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only