Salary Needed to Live in Des Moines as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $23,361/year to live comfortably in Des Moines, IA — including 12% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$23,361
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$19,573
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,207
17% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Des Moines
| Expense | Des Moines | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $88 | $137 | -36% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $24 | $27 | -11% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $14 | $19 | -26% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $31 | $35 | -11% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $138 | $211 | -35% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $52 | $53 | -2% |
| Internet | $58 | $65 | -11% |
| Phone (×2) | $125 | $140 | -11% |
| Dining & Social | $401 | $450 | -11% |
| Entertainment | $160 | $180 | -11% |
| Personal Care (×2) | $116 | $130 | -11% |
| Total Monthly | $1,207 | $1,447 | -17% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,207
Target savings (12%):$196/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,403
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$23,361
Other Household Types in Des Moines
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Des Moines?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $23,361/year ($1,947/month gross) to live comfortably in Des Moines with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Des Moines?
A 1-2br apartment in Des Moines costs approximately $88/month, which is the largest single expense at 7% of the total budget.
Is Des Moines affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Yes, Des Moines is 17% more affordable than the national average for a couple (no kids).