Salary Needed to Live in Des Moines as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $17,287/year to live comfortably in Des Moines, IA — including 5% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$17,287
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$16,119
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$994
17% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Des Moines
| Expense | Des Moines | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $78 | $121 | -36% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $14 | $16 | -12% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $11 | $15 | -27% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $15 | $18 | -17% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $138 | $211 | -35% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $52 | $53 | -2% |
| Medicare Supplement | $178 | $200 | -11% |
| Prescription Drugs | $134 | $150 | -11% |
| Internet + Phone | $107 | $120 | -11% |
| Recreation & Social | $178 | $200 | -11% |
| Home Maintenance | $89 | $100 | -11% |
| Total Monthly | $994 | $1,204 | -17% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$994
Target savings (5%):$56/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,050
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$17,287
Other Household Types in Des Moines
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Des Moines?
A retiree needs approximately $17,287/year ($1,441/month gross) to live comfortably in Des Moines with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Des Moines?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Des Moines costs approximately $78/month, which is the largest single expense at 8% of the total budget.
Is Des Moines affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Des Moines is 17% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.