Can I Afford to Live in St. Paul vs Des Moines on $100K?
Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | St. Paul MN | Des Moines IA |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $5,496 | $5,846 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $1,200 |
| Groceries (est.) | $384 | $365 |
| Transport (est.) | $95 | $50 |
| Utilities | $195 | $155 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $3,259/month | $4,016/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $100K a good salary in St. Paul?
At $100K/year in St. Paul, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,496. With 1BR rent around $1,500/month, rent takes up 27% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Is $100K a good salary in Des Moines?
At $100K/year in Des Moines, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,846. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 21% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?
Des Moines leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,016/month vs $3,259/month in St. Paul.
Can I afford to live alone in St. Paul on $100K?
Yes. At $100K in St. Paul, rent takes 27% of your take-home, leaving $3,259/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