Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

Boston vs Des Moines

$75,000 salary · single filer · 2-bedroom apartment

Monthly take-home pay

Boston$4,783

Des Moines$4,809

2-bedroom rent (HUD FMR)

Boston$2,941

Des Moines$1,318

Left after rent

Boston$1,842

Des Moines$3,491

Thinking about moving from Boston to Des Moines on a $75k salary? On $75,000 a year, you take home $4,783/mo in Boston and $4,809/mo in Des Moines after taxes. Factor in a 2-bedroom apartment and you're left with $1,842/mo in Boston vs $3,491/mo in Des Moines. Numbers use 2026 tax brackets and HUD fair market rents. Treat them as a starting point, not financial advice.

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