Salary Needed to Live in Des Moines as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $47,983/year to live comfortably in Des Moines, IA, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $47,983/year to live comfortably in Des Moines, IA. The bare-minimum salary is $44,741/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,915.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,759/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,999/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$47,983
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$44,741
$3,728/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,759
24% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Des Moines
| Expense | Des Moines | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $818 | $1,448 | -44% |
| Groceries | $169 | $189 | -11% |
| Utilities | $137 | $183 | -25% |
| Transportation | $185 | $211 | -12% |
| Car Insurance | $138 | $211 | -35% |
| Health Insurance | $626 | $630 | -1% |
| 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 | $2,759 | $3,642 | -24% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,759
Target savings (5%):$156/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,915
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$47,983
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$818
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 30% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
26%
Estimated federal plus IA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$156/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
89/100
Des Moines is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby midwest Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 1-2br senior-friendly housing near $818/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $686/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $44,741/year as the survival floor and $47,983/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Des Moines
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Des Moines?
A retiree needs approximately $47,983/year ($3,999/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 $818/month, which is the largest single expense at 30% of the total budget.
Is Des Moines affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Des Moines is 24% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.