Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

Columbus vs Des Moines

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

Monthly take-home pay

Columbus$4,827

Des Moines$4,809

2-bedroom rent (HUD FMR)

Columbus$1,430

Des Moines$1,318

Left after rent

Columbus$3,397

Des Moines$3,491

Thinking about moving from Columbus to Des Moines on a $75k salary? On $75,000 a year, you take home $4,827/mo in Columbus and $4,809/mo in Des Moines after taxes. Factor in a 2-bedroom apartment and you're left with $3,397/mo in Columbus 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.

See the full picture: taxes, rent, weather, schools and more

Change your income, filing status, or bedroom count in the full tool.