What salary do I need in Des Moines, IA to live like I do in Lincoln, NE?

If you earn $150,000 in Lincoln, NE, you'd need approximately $149,010.989 in Des Moines, IA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Lincoln, NE and Des Moines, IA?

Housing in Des Moines, IA is 1.2% cheaper than in Lincoln, NE. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,260/month in Des Moines, IA compared to $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE.

How much can I save per month by moving from Lincoln, NE to Des Moines, IA?

Moving from Lincoln, NE to Des Moines, IA could save you approximately $82 per month, or $989 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lincoln, NE vs Des Moines, IA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Q: Is Des Moines, IA cheaper than Lincoln, NE?

Based on cost of living data, Des Moines, IA is 1.1% cheaper than Lincoln, NE. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Lincoln, NE

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $82.42/month moving to Des Moines, IA

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.0K in Des Moines, IA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 1.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$82.42

Savings

Annual Impact

$989

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Lincoln, NE

Population:295K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$274K

Des Moines, IA

Population:214K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$228K

Lincoln, NE

The Cornhusker State

295K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Nebraska, this city has a population of 295K residents.

Des Moines, IA

The Hawkeye State

214K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 214K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Lincoln, NE vs Des Moines, IA

Category	Lincoln, NE	Des Moines, IA	Difference	Change
Groceries	$949/mo	$909/mo	↓ $39.97less	4.2%
Other	$1,574/mo	$1,607/mo	↑ $33.48more	2.1%
Housing	$2,105/mo	$2,079/mo	↓ $25.99less	1.2%
Transportation	$1,243/mo	$1,243/mo	→ $0	0.0%
All Utilities	$470/mo	$470/mo	→ $0	0.0%
Healthcare	$682/mo	$682/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Groceries

↓ 4.2%

Lincoln, NE

$949

Des Moines, IA

$909

Difference

$39.97

less

Other

↑ 2.1%

Lincoln, NE

$1,574

Des Moines, IA

$1,607

Difference

$33.48

Housing

↓ 1.2%

Lincoln, NE

$2,105

Des Moines, IA

$2,079

Difference

$25.99

less

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Lincoln, NE

$1,243

Des Moines, IA

$1,243

Difference

same

All Utilities

→ 0.0%

Lincoln, NE

$470

Des Moines, IA

$470

Difference

same

Healthcare

→ 0.0%

Lincoln, NE

$682

Des Moines, IA

$682

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$920

To$1,020

↑ $100

1 Bed

From$1,000

To$1,060

↑ $60.00

2 Bed

From$1,230

To$1,260

↑ $30.00

3 Bed

From$1,705

To$1,720

↑ $15.00

Lincoln, NEZIP-level data

1BR range: $820–$1,350/mo

Des Moines, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $960–$1,150/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,022

Monthly in Lincoln, NE

$6,990

Monthly in Des Moines, IA

$32.48

Difference

Home Values

Lincoln

Des Moines

$274K

Median Value

$228K

↑ +3.8%

YoY Change

↑ +1.2%

↑ +36%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.4%

$194K - $575K

Price Range

$157K - $344K

Homes in Des Moines are 17% less expensive than Lincoln

Calculate payment - Lincoln Calculate payment - Des Moines

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.4K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$114

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.9%

Rate difference

Lincoln, NE

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Nebraska State Tax

Effective: 6.2%

$9.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.9%

$46.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,638/month

$103.7K

Des Moines, IA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Iowa State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.7K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.7K

Take-Home Pay

$8,524/month

$102.3K

Additional Tax Information

Lincoln, NE Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.8%

Des Moines, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Lincoln

Des Moines

41 Good

Air Quality

45 Good

83.7%

Good Air Days

67.5%

91 Moderate

Climate Risk

92 Moderate

🌪💨

Top Hazards

🌡☀🌪

▲+3.3°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.4°F

38 days

Heat Days >95°F

25 days

▲+3.3°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.4°F

38 days

Heat Days >95°F

25 days

What to Consider When Moving from Lincoln, NE to Des Moines, IA

Relocating from Lincoln, NE to Des Moines, IA involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 1% lower in Des Moines, IA, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Des Moines, IA is 1% cheaper than in Lincoln, NE. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Des Moines, IA pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Des Moines, IA to match your current standard of living in Lincoln, NE.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Des Moines, IA for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Lincoln, NE vs Des Moines, IA

Is Des Moines, IA cheaper than Lincoln, NE?

Yes, Des Moines, IA is about 1.1% cheaper than Lincoln, NE. You could save approximately $82.42/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 1% lower in Des Moines, IA.

What salary do I need in Des Moines, IA to match my lifestyle in Lincoln, NE?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Lincoln, NE, you would need approximately $149,011 in Des Moines, IA to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Lincoln, NE and Des Moines, IA?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,230/month in Lincoln, NE compared to $1,260/month in Des Moines, IA. One-bedroom apartments are $1,000/month in Lincoln, NE vs $1,060/month in Des Moines, IA. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Lincoln, NE or Des Moines, IA?

Groceries are about 4% cheaper in Des Moines, IA than in Lincoln, NE, saving a typical household roughly $39.97/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Lincoln, NE to Des Moines, IA?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Nebraska and Iowa on TaxTakeHome.com