Cost of Living in Des Moines, IA

With a cost of living index of 79, Des Moines, IA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 21% cheaper than the national average and 8% above the Iowa state average of 71. As a major city with a population of 212,464, Des Moines offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Des Moines's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,054 (20% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $183,700 (40% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.9x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Des Moines is $63,966, which is 15% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 20% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Everyday prices in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.