Moving from Wilmington to Des Moines (2026)
Des Moines has a COL index of 87 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Des Moines to match your Wilmington lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Wilmington | Equivalent in Des Moines |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,419 |
| $50K | $46,774 |
| $60K | $56,129 |
| $75K | $70,161 |
| $80K | $74,839 |
| $100K | $93,548 |
| $120K | $112,258 |
| $150K | $140,323 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Wilmington vs Des Moines
| Expense | Wilmington | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,384 |
| 1BR rent | $1,550 | $1,200 |
| Groceries | $372 | $365 |
| Transport | $45 | $50 |
| Utilities | $158 | $155 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,272 | $2,554 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Des Moines cheaper than Wilmington?
Yes. Des Moines has a cost of living index of 87 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Wilmington to Des Moines?
On a $75K salary, moving from Wilmington to Des Moines could save roughly $357/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,284/year.
What salary do I need in Des Moines to match my Wilmington lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Wilmington, you'd need roughly $70,161/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