Moving from Fort Worth to Des Moines (2026)
Des Moines has a COL index of 87 vs 91 for Fort Worth (100 = US average). You'd pay about 4% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Des Moines to match your Fort Worth lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Fort Worth | Equivalent in Des Moines |
|---|---|
| $40K | $38,242 |
| $50K | $47,802 |
| $60K | $57,363 |
| $75K | $71,703 |
| $80K | $76,484 |
| $100K | $95,604 |
| $120K | $114,725 |
| $150K | $143,407 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Fort Worth vs Des Moines
| Expense | Fort Worth | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,384 |
| 1BR rent | $1,400 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $365 | $365 |
| Transport | $50 | $50 |
| Utilities | $180 | $155 |
| Internet | $68 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,678 | $2,554 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines cheaper than Fort Worth?
Yes. Des Moines has a cost of living index of 87 vs 91 for Fort Worth (100 = US average). That's about 4% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Fort Worth to Des Moines?
On a $75K salary, moving from Fort Worth to Des Moines could save roughly $233/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,796/year.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match my Fort Worth lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Fort Worth, you'd need roughly $71,703/year in Des Moines. 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