Local
Is it better to rent or buy in Des Moines? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.
Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.
Median in area: $1,910
Median in area: $578,521
Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Des Moines. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $2,053, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $3,715 per month (a difference of $1,662).
The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Des Moines is approximately $143. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.
To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Des Moines without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $82,120 per year.