Moving from Austin to Des Moines (2026)
Des Moines has a COL index of 87 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 29% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Des Moines to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 29% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Des Moines |
|---|---|
| $40K | $28,525 |
| $50K | $35,656 |
| $60K | $42,787 |
| $75K | $53,484 |
| $80K | $57,049 |
| $100K | $71,311 |
| $120K | $85,574 |
| $150K | $106,967 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Des Moines
| Expense | Austin | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,384 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $372 | $365 |
| Transport | $50 | $50 |
| Utilities | $170 | $155 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $2,554 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $627 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Austin — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Des Moines has a cost of living index of 87 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 29% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Des Moines?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to Des Moines saves roughly $244/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,928/year.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $53,484/year in Des Moines. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only