Cost of Living in West Des Moines, IA

With a cost of living index of 92, West Des Moines, IA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 8% cheaper than the national average and 21% above the Iowa state average of 71. With a population of 69,893, West Des Moines is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in West Des Moines's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,194 (9% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $286,300 (6% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in West Des Moines is $84,925, which is 13% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to West Des Moines. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.9°F, with summers averaging 74°F and winters around 26°F. Annual rainfall totals 36.6 inches spread over roughly 113 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

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.