Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

Des Moines vs Knoxville

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

Monthly take-home pay

Des Moines$4,809

Knoxville$5,096

2-bedroom rent (HUD FMR)

Des Moines$1,318

Knoxville$1,471

Left after rent

Des Moines$3,491

Knoxville$3,625

Thinking about moving from Des Moines to Knoxville on a $75k salary? On $75,000 a year, you take home $4,809/mo in Des Moines and $5,096/mo in Knoxville after taxes. Factor in a 2-bedroom apartment and you're left with $3,491/mo in Des Moines vs $3,625/mo in Knoxville. Numbers use 2026 tax brackets and HUD fair market rents. Treat them as a starting point, not financial advice.

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