Moving from Des Moines to Killeen (2026)
Killeen has a COL index of 83 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). You'd pay about 5% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Killeen to match your Des Moines lifestyle
Based on the 5% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Des Moines | Equivalent in Killeen |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,161 |
| $50K | $47,701 |
| $60K | $57,241 |
| $75K | $71,552 |
| $80K | $76,322 |
| $100K | $95,402 |
| $120K | $114,483 |
| $150K | $143,103 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Des Moines vs Killeen
| Expense | Des Moines | Killeen |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,384 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $365 | $350 |
| Transport | $50 | $38 |
| Utilities | $155 | $170 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,554 | $3,073 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Killeen cheaper than Des Moines?
Yes. Killeen has a cost of living index of 83 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). That's about 5% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Des Moines to Killeen?
On a $75K salary, moving from Des Moines to Killeen could save roughly $162/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,944/year.
What salary do I need in Killeen to match my Des Moines lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Des Moines, you'd need roughly $71,552/year in Killeen. 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