Moving from Des Moines to Laredo (2026)
Laredo has a COL index of 79 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). You'd pay about 9% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$281/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
8779
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,200$950
per month
State tax
5.7%None
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,384$4,741
per month
Salary needed in Laredo to match your Des Moines lifestyle
Based on the 9% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Des Moines | Equivalent in Laredo |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,322 |
| $50K | $45,402 |
| $60K | $54,483 |
| $75K | $68,103 |
| $80K | $72,644 |
| $100K | $90,805 |
| $120K | $108,966 |
| $150K | $136,207 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Des Moines vs Laredo
| Expense | Des Moines | Laredo |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,384 | $4,741 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $950 |
| Groceries | $365 | $338 |
| Transport | $50 | $35 |
| Utilities | $155 | $168 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,554 | $3,192 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Laredo cheaper than Des Moines?
Yes. Laredo has a cost of living index of 79 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). That's about 9% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Des Moines to Laredo?
On a $75K salary, moving from Des Moines to Laredo could save roughly $281/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,372/year.
What salary do I need in Laredo to match my Des Moines lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Des Moines, you'd need roughly $68,103/year in Laredo. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Laredo to Des MoinesDes Moines vs Laredo — full comparisonDes Moines cost of livingLaredo cost of living
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