Moving from Madison to Des Moines (2026)
Des Moines has a COL index of 87 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). You'd pay about 10% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Des Moines to match your Madison lifestyle
Based on the 10% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Madison | Equivalent in Des Moines |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,876 |
| $50K | $44,845 |
| $60K | $53,814 |
| $75K | $67,268 |
| $80K | $71,753 |
| $100K | $89,691 |
| $120K | $107,629 |
| $150K | $134,536 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Madison vs Des Moines
| Expense | Madison | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,259 | $4,384 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $384 | $365 |
| Transport | $62 | $50 |
| Utilities | $162 | $155 |
| Internet | $63 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,938 | $2,554 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines cheaper than Madison?
Yes. Des Moines has a cost of living index of 87 vs 97 for Madison (100 = US average). That's about 10% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Madison to Des Moines?
On a $75K salary, moving from Madison to Des Moines could save roughly $491/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,892/year.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match my Madison lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Madison, you'd need roughly $67,268/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