Des Moines, IA Cost of Living


53 Reviews



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Des Moines cost of living score
86.6
Less expensive
13.4% lower
than the US average
8.1% higher
than the Iowa average
Des Moines, Iowa gets a BestPlaces Cost of Living score of 86.6, which means the total cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other necessities is 13.4% lower than the U.S. average and 8.1% lower than the average for Iowa.

Des Moines, IA

Housing costs in Des Moines?
A typical home costs $175,700, which is 48.0% less expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 9.9% less expensive than the average Iowa home, at $194,900. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Des Moines costs $1,020 per month, which is 28.7% cheaper than the national average of $1,430 and 8.8% more than the state average of $930.

Can I afford Des Moines?
To live comfortably in Des Moines, Iowa, a minimum annual income of $33,840 for a family, and $34,000 for a single person is recommended.

What does A.I. say about Des Moines?
Des Moines, Iowa has plenty of attractions as well as a competitive cost-of-living that makes it worth considering. Homeowners can take advantage of different types of housing options ranging from low cost single family homes to modern townhouses - while renters also have access to some attractive deals these days too. Furthermore, groceries and transportation expenses remain quite reasonable compared with other US cities - giving you more bang out of your buck if you choose Des Moines as your home.
   Cost of living score
     CategoriesDes MoinesIowaUnited States
  86.680.1100.0
  9694.4100
  102.4108.2100.0
  57.855.4100.0
  $175,700$194,900$338,100
  89.6%98.5%100.0%
  74.771.4100.0
  112.296.3100.0

   100=National Average

   Average Rent by Bedroom Size
Reviews for Des Moines
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Des Moines is a ok and pretty quiet place but as a teen it could be dramatic because Des Moines do have is fair or violents places to avoid in Des Moines would be the  More

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Dude · 
Over 4 years ago

This city is violent, there are too many gangs especially on the north  More

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Over 5 years ago

Good for the old that like slow pace and cheap buffets. Also good for non-descript mid-westerners that don't like a lot of action. No nightlife or mountains to hike  More

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