Cost of Living in West Des Moines, IA
Population 69,893 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
West Des Moines lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $286,000 — 6% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Iowa. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.5% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 9 miles west of Des Moines, West Des Moines falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 56% higher than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in West Des Moines
The median home value in West Des Moines is $286,300 — 6% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,194/month, 9% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $84,925/year is 14% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, West Des Moines has a cost of living index of 93 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 7% 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
💨 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 West Des Moines, IA?
West Des Moines has a cost index of 93 (100 = national average). It is 7% below the national average.
What is average rent in West Des Moines, IA?
The median gross rent in West Des Moines is $1,194 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in West Des Moines?
The median home value in West Des Moines is $286,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in West Des Moines?
The median household income in West Des Moines is $84,925 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in West Des Moines, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Des Moines is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is West Des Moines, IA affordable?
West Des Moines is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 93 (100 = US average).
West Des Moines at a Glance
- Population
- 69,893
- Median Income
- $84,925
- Home Value
- $286,300
- Median Rent
- $1,194/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.5%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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