Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

Des Moines vs Fort Wayne

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

Monthly take-home pay

Des Moines$4,809

Fort Wayne$4,905

2-bedroom rent (HUD FMR)

Des Moines$1,318

Fort Wayne$1,921

Left after rent

Des Moines$3,491

Fort Wayne$2,984

Thinking about moving from Des Moines to Fort Wayne on a $75k salary? On $75,000 a year, you take home $4,809/mo in Des Moines and $4,905/mo in Fort Wayne after taxes. Factor in a 2-bedroom apartment and you're left with $3,491/mo in Des Moines vs $2,984/mo in Fort Wayne. Numbers use 2026 tax brackets and HUD fair market rents. Treat them as a starting point, not financial advice.

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