Cost of Living in Des Moines, IA
Population 212,464 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Des Moines can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $184,000 against $63,966 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Des Moines
The median home value in Des Moines is $183,700 — 40% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,054/month, 20% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,966/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. The climate averages highs of 60.5°F and lows of 41.3°F, with about 36.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Des Moines has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 31 | 36 | 49 | 62 | 72 | 82 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 63 | 48 | 36 |
| Low °F | 14 | 18 | 30 | 41 | 52 | 62 | 66 | 64 | 55 | 43 | 30 | 20 |
| Precip" | 1.08 | 1.34 | 2.17 | 4.02 | 5.24 | 5.26 | 3.82 | 4.17 | 3.18 | 2.78 | 1.91 | 1.58 |
| Snow" | 9.4 | 10.2 | 4.4 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 2.7 | 7.9 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA?
Des Moines has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.
What is average rent in Des Moines, IA?
The median gross rent in Des Moines is $1,054 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Des Moines?
The median home value in Des Moines is $183,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Des Moines?
The median household income in Des Moines is $63,966 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Des Moines, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Des Moines is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Des Moines, IA affordable?
Yes, Des Moines is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Des Moines?
Des Moines has average high temperatures of 60.5°F and average lows of 41.3°F. Annual precipitation is 36.5". Average annual snowfall is 36.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Des Moines at a Glance
- Population
- 212,464
- Median Income
- $63,966
- Home Value
- $183,700
- Median Rent
- $1,054/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Compare Des Moines
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Iowa Rankings
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