Can I Afford to Live in Mobile vs Des Moines on $80K?
Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Mobile AL | Des Moines IA |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,723 | $4,677 |
| 1BR rent | $1,100 | $1,200 |
| Groceries (est.) | $353 | $365 |
| Transport (est.) | $38 | $50 |
| Utilities | $172 | $155 |
| Internet | $58 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $3,002/month | $2,847/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $80K a good salary in Mobile?
At $80K/year in Mobile, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,723. With 1BR rent around $1,100/month, rent takes up 23% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Is $80K a good salary in Des Moines?
At $80K/year in Des Moines, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,677. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 26% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?
Mobile leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,002/month vs $2,847/month in Des Moines.
Can I afford to live alone in Mobile on $80K?
Yes. At $80K in Mobile, rent takes 23% of your take-home, leaving $3,002/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
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