Moving from Des Moines to Montgomery (2026)
Montgomery has a COL index of 81 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). You'd pay about 7% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Montgomery to match your Des Moines lifestyle
Based on the 7% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Des Moines | Equivalent in Montgomery |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,241 |
| $50K | $46,552 |
| $60K | $55,862 |
| $75K | $69,828 |
| $80K | $74,483 |
| $100K | $93,103 |
| $120K | $111,724 |
| $150K | $139,655 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Des Moines vs Montgomery
| Expense | Des Moines | Montgomery |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,384 | $4,428 |
| 1BR rent | $1,200 | $1,050 |
| Groceries | $365 | $353 |
| Transport | $50 | $38 |
| Utilities | $155 | $170 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,554 | $2,759 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Montgomery cheaper than Des Moines?
Yes. Montgomery has a cost of living index of 81 vs 87 for Des Moines (100 = US average). That's about 7% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Des Moines to Montgomery?
On a $75K salary, moving from Des Moines to Montgomery could save roughly $161/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,932/year.
What salary do I need in Montgomery to match my Des Moines lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Des Moines, you'd need roughly $69,828/year in Montgomery. 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