Cost of Living in
Des Moines, IA

The Real Cost of Living in Des Moines (2026)

Forget the glossy brochures and the "move here" tax credits. You’re looking at Des Moines with a skeptical eye, and you should. The Cost of Living Index sits at 88.8, which is roughly 11.2% cheaper than the national average. But that number is a blunt instrument, an average that flattens the jagged edges of actual financial life. For a single person to live here without constant anxiety, you need a gross income of at least $33,485. That figure gets you a roof, food, and keeps the lights on, but it doesn't account for the "comfort" level—meaning you aren't panic-swiping your debit card when the car needs new tires. Comfort in Des Moines, for a single earner, realistically starts pushing $50,000. Below that, you are just surviving, not engaging with the city.

The Big Items

Housing is the primary lever on your budget, and the narrative that Des Moines is a "cheap place to buy" is getting stale. If you are looking to rent, the market is relatively stable but creeping upward. A one-bedroom apartment averages $899, while a two-bedroom will set you back $1080. These are pre-2026 numbers, and with the influx of remote workers seeking Midwest affordability, expect a 3-5% annual bump. Renting offers flexibility, but you are subject to the whims of property management companies who will nickel and dime you for parking, trash, and "amenities" you never use.

Buying, however, is where the math gets tricky. While specific median home price data is currently unavailable in this dataset, the local market is heating up due to low inventory. The trap here isn't the mortgage payment itself; it's the property tax. Iowa has some of the highest property tax rates in the nation relative to home values. You aren't just paying the bank; you are funding the local school district and county services at a premium. If you buy a $250,000 home, you could easily be looking at an annual tax bill exceeding $4,500. That’s $375 a month that builds zero equity, just gone.

Taxes are the silent killer of your take-home pay. Iowa has a graduated income tax system, but it’s moving toward a flat tax. Still, the bite is real. On a $33,485 income, you’re looking at a state tax burden of roughly 3.9%. Then you have the local option sales tax, adding another 1% to almost everything you buy. It sounds small, but it compounds. When you see a sticker price of $100, you are actually paying $101. When you factor in Federal taxes, a single filer is losing roughly 20-25% of their gross income to various tax entities before they see a dime.

Groceries and gas are the two budget items that fluctuate wildly based on your discipline. The local cost of food is roughly 5% lower than the national average. A gallon of milk might run you $3.50, and a dozen eggs are hovering around $2.80. However, this assumes you shop at the big-box chains (Hy-Vee, Fareway). If you rely on convenience stores or delivery apps, that "savings" evaporates instantly. Gas is similarly situated; it’s usually 10-15 cents cheaper than the national average, currently sitting around $3.10 per gallon. But don't get comfortable—geopolitical shifts can erase that margin overnight. The baseline is favorable, but only if you play the game by the local rules.

Hidden 'Gotcha' Costs

This is where the budget bleeds out. Des Moines is a driving city, and while it lacks the massive traffic jams of Chicago, it has a network of toll roads (the "Red Head" bridges) that will bleed your account dry if you commute. A single trip across the Principal Park Bridge can cost $1.50 to $3.00. It doesn't sound like much until you multiply it by 20 workdays a month. That’s $30-$60 a month, or $360-$720 a year, just to avoid a traffic light.

If you buy a home, watch out for HOA fees. In the suburbs like West Des Moines or Ankeny, these can range from $150 to $400 a month. That covers snow removal and lawn care, sure, but it also covers "reserves" that often require special assessments. You might get hit with a $1,500 bill one year because the clubhouse roof leaked. Then there is insurance. While Iowa isn't a coastal hurricane zone, the frequency of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes is rising. Your standard homeowner's policy often excludes specific flood zones, requiring a separate policy that can cost an additional $600-$1,200 annually. And don't forget parking in downtown Des Moines; monthly garage parking can easily cost $120-$180, a mandatory fee if you work in the core and want to avoid the elements.

Lifestyle Inflation

The "cheap" reputation falls apart the moment you try to have a life. The cost of entry for socializing is rising. A pint of craft beer at a popular downtown spot like Confluence or Exile isn't $5 anymore; it's $8 to $9, plus tax and tip. A modest dinner for two with drinks will set you back $80-$100 minimum. If you want to maintain a social life, you are looking at an easy $400-$600 a month discretionary spend.

Fitness is another trap. A standard gym membership like Planet Fitness is cheap at $10-$25, but if you want a boutique experience (F45, yoga studios), you are looking at $120-$180 per month. The "latte factor" is real here; a high-end coffee at a local roaster like Zanzibar’s is $5.50. If you buy one a day, that’s $165 a month—roughly $2,000 a year—that vanishes into thin air. These aren't luxuries; they are the costs of maintaining a standard of living that feels "normal."

Salary Scenarios

To understand what you actually need to earn to live in Des Moines without stress, we have to look at three distinct lifestyles. These numbers represent the gross annual income required to sustain these lifestyles comfortably.

Frugal Scenario Analysis

At $38,000 for a single person, you are making the math work. You are renting a one-bedroom or a cheap two-bedroom with a roommate. You cook almost every meal, shop at Aldi, and drive a paid-off car. You are likely avoiding the toll roads and taking surface streets. You are saving for retirement, but it’s a struggle—likely just enough to get the employer match. For a family at $65,000, this is tight. You are living in the outer ring suburbs, driving used cars, and relying heavily on budgeting apps. There is very little room for error; a medical emergency or car breakdown puts you in debt.

Moderate Scenario Analysis

This is the "Des Moines Dream" tier. At $52,000 single income, you can rent a decent one-bedroom alone or buy a starter home in a decent neighborhood. You can afford to go out to eat once a week, have a streaming subscription or two, and maybe take a modest vacation once a year. You aren't stressed about the grocery bill. For a family at $95,000, you can afford a decent home in a good school district. You can handle daycare costs (which are brutal in Iowa, often $1,200/month per child) and still save. This is the baseline for "participating" in the community without constant financial anxiety.

Comfortable Scenario Analysis

At $75,000 for a single earner, you are living well. You can afford a downtown apartment or a renovated home in the city proper. You drive a newer car with a warranty. You don't look at the price tag at the grocery store, and you can afford the boutique gym and the nice dinner. You are aggressively paying down debt or saving. For a family at $140,000, you have options. Private school tuition is on the table, as is a second vehicle and a significant savings rate. You are insulated from the "gotcha" costs; a $600 flood insurance bill is an annoyance, not a crisis.