Moving from Des Moines to Cheyenne (2026)

Cheyenne has a COL index of 88 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 1% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$64 more/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline

Key differences

COL index
8788
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200$1,150
per month
State tax
5.7%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,384$4,741
per month

Salary needed in Cheyenne to match your Des Moines lifestyle

Based on the 1% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in Des MoinesEquivalent in Cheyenne
$40K$40,460
$50K$50,575
$60K$60,690
$75K$75,862
$80K$80,920
$100K$101,149
$120K$121,379
$150K$151,724

Monthly budget at $75K — Des Moines vs Cheyenne

ExpenseDes MoinesCheyenne
Monthly take-home$4,384$4,741
1BR rent$1,200$1,150
Groceries$365$365
Transport$50$35
Utilities$155$148
Internet$60$68
Left after essentials$2,554$2,975

Frequently asked questions

Is Cheyenne cheaper than Des Moines?

No. Cheyenne has a cost of living index of 88 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). That's about 1% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Des Moines to Cheyenne?

On a $75K salary, moving from Des Moines to Cheyenne could save roughly $64/month on core expenses. That's ~$768/year.

What salary do I need in Cheyenne to match my Des Moines lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Des Moines, you'd need roughly $75,862/year in Cheyenne. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.

Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only