Moving from Des Moines to Houston (2026)
Houston has a COL index of 95 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 9% more for the same lifestyle.
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Key differences
Salary needed in Houston to match your Des Moines lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Des Moines | Equivalent in Houston |
|---|---|
| $40K | $43,678 |
| $50K | $54,598 |
| $60K | $65,517 |
| $75K | $81,897 |
| $80K | $87,356 |
| $100K | $109,195 |
| $120K | $131,034 |
| $150K | $163,793 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Des Moines vs Houston
| Expense | Des Moines | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,384 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,350 |
| Groceries | $365 | $357 |
| Transport | $50 | $90 |
| Utilities | $155 | $175 |
| Internet | $60 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $2,554 | $2,704 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston cheaper than Des Moines?
No. Houston has a cost of living index of 95 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). That's about 9% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Des Moines to Houston?
On a $75K salary, moving from Des Moines to Houston saves roughly $206/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,472/year.
What salary do I need in Houston to match my Des Moines lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Des Moines, you'd need roughly $81,897/year in Houston. 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