Salary Needed to Live in Des Moines as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $16,631/year to live comfortably in Des Moines, IA — including 10% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$16,631
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$14,384
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$887
18% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Des Moines
| Expense | Des Moines | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $73 | $113 | -35% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $15 | $17 | -12% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $11 | $14 | -21% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $23 | $26 | -12% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $138 | $211 | -35% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $52 | $53 | -2% |
| Internet | $58 | $65 | -11% |
| Phone | $76 | $85 | -11% |
| Dining & Social | $267 | $300 | -11% |
| Entertainment | $107 | $120 | -11% |
| Personal Care | $67 | $75 | -11% |
| Total Monthly | $887 | $1,079 | -18% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$887
Target savings (10%):$114/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,001
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$16,631
Other Household Types in Des Moines
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Des Moines?
A single person needs approximately $16,631/year ($1,386/month gross) to live comfortably in Des Moines with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Des Moines?
A studio/1br in Des Moines costs approximately $73/month, which is the largest single expense at 8% of the total budget.
Is Des Moines affordable for a single person?
Yes, Des Moines is 18% more affordable than the national average for a single person.