$100k in Des Moines
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📊 Des Moines Salary Guide
The Real Salary Guide to Des Moines, IA: What $100,000 Actually Buys You
You don't move to Des Moines for the skyline. You move here to win financially. While coastal transplants complain about cornfields, locals are quietly stacking cash. Let's cut through the "sticker price" of a six-figure salary and run the numbers on what actually hits your bank account in Iowa.
The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)
A $100,000 salary offer looks great on paper. It looks significantly smaller once the government takes its cut. Here is the forensic breakdown of your gross vs. net.
- Gross Salary: $100,000
- Federal Tax: $13,614
- FICA Tax: $7,650
- State Tax (IA): $4,500
- Local Tax: $0
- Total Deductions: $25,764
- Actual Take Home Pay: $74,236
The Analysis:
You are keeping roughly 74.2% of your income. That is a solid retention rate, but don't ignore the nearly $26k in tax drag. Iowa’s state income tax is a flat 3.9% (projected to drop to 3.65% soon), which is the primary culprit here. While you avoid the crushing weight of New York City or California taxes, you are still paying a premium to live in the Midwest.
If you were in Texas or Florida, that take-home pay would jump by roughly $4,500. You are paying a $4,500 annual "Iowa premium."
Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)
With a monthly net of $6,186, the standard 50/30/20 budget rule applies. Here is how that purchasing power translates to life in Des Moines.
Needs ($3,093/mo)
This bucket covers rent, utilities, groceries, and insurance.
- Rent: In Des Moines, $1,400 gets you a luxury one-bedroom in the East Village or a solid two-bedroom in West Des Moines. You are not rent-burdened.
- Utilities/Groceries: $800 covers high-end groceries and MidAmerican Energy bills.
- Remaining: You have roughly $900 buffer for car insurance, gas, or health premiums.
- Verdict: You are comfortable. You are not living paycheck to paycheck if you stick to market rates.
Wants ($1,856/mo)
This is your lifestyle fund.
- Dining Out: Des Moines has a surprisingly robust food scene. $800/mo allows for frequent steakhouse dinners at Simon’s or nights out in the Historic East Village.
- Entertainment: $500 covers the MLS season tickets for Des Moines Menace, concerts at the Wells Fargo Arena, and weekend trips to the Iowa State Fair.
- Verdict: You have significant disposable income for a city of this size.
Savings ($1,237/mo)
This is where the wealth is built.
- Investments: $1,237/mo is $14,844/year.
- The Power: If you invest this in a standard S&P 500 index fund (averaging 7% return), compounded over 10 years, you are looking at over $175,000 in growth—purely from your "savings" bucket.
- Verdict: This is the Des Moines advantage. Your dollar stretches further, allowing for a higher savings rate than in Austin or Chicago.
Des Moines Taxes vs The Competition
Is the Iowa tax burden worth it? Let’s look at the math for a $100k earner.
| Location | State Income Tax | Local Tax | Total Annual Tax Burden | Net Pay | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | $4,500 | $0 | $25,764 | $74,236 | Baseline |
| Austin, TX | $0 | $0 | $21,264 | $78,736 | +$4,500 |
| New York, NY | $5,179 | ~$2,000 | $30,443 | $69,557 | -$4,679 |
The Verdict:
Des Moines sits in the middle. You pay more than a Texan but significantly less than a New Yorker. However, Des Moines property taxes can be higher than average to compensate for the lower income tax. If you are renting, you win. If you are buying a $400k home, the property tax bill will sting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the income tax rate in Des Moines?
A: Iowa utilizes a graduated marginal tax system, but for a $100,000 salary, you are effectively paying a 3.9% flat rate (State). This is projected to drop to 3.65% in coming years. Combined with Federal (approx 13.6%) and FICA (7.65%), your total effective tax rate is roughly 25.7%.
Q: Is $100k a good salary in Des Moines?
A: Yes. It is an "upper-class" salary for the region. While $100k is barely middle class in San Francisco, in Des Moines it affords you a luxury apartment, a financed vehicle, and a robust savings strategy ($1,237/mo).
Q: Does Des Moines have a local city tax?
A: No. Unlike cities in Pennsylvania or Ohio, Des Moines does not levy a specific municipal income tax on residents. You pay State and Federal, and you are done.
Methodology: Calculations based on 2026 IRS tax brackets (projected standard deduction), Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and Iowa State Tax rates. Budget allocation follows the standard 50/30/20 rule. Data cross-referenced with Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) wage data and State Comptroller projections.