Moving from Los Angeles to Des Moines (2026)
Des Moines has a COL index of 87 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). You'd pay about 50% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Des Moines to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 50% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Des Moines |
|---|---|
| $40K | $20,116 |
| $50K | $25,145 |
| $60K | $30,173 |
| $75K | $37,717 |
| $80K | $40,231 |
| $100K | $50,289 |
| $120K | $60,347 |
| $150K | $75,434 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs Des Moines
| Expense | Los Angeles | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,384 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $410 | $365 |
| Transport | $100 | $50 |
| Utilities | $145 | $155 |
| Internet | $70 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $2,554 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $1,695 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Los Angeles — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. Des Moines has a cost of living index of 87 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 50% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to Des Moines?
On a $75K salary, moving from Los Angeles to Des Moines saves roughly $1,825/month on core expenses. That's ~$21,900/year.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $37,717/year in Des Moines. 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