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Cost of Living in Des Moines County

Is it better to rent or buy in Des Moines County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$64,904
$920/mo

Median in area: $920

$142,928

Median in area: $142,928

$28,586

If you Rent

🔑
$1,180 /mo
Base Rent$920
Est. Utilities$260
% of Income21.8%
Pre-tax Residual$4,229

If you Buy

🏠
$1,288 /mo
P&I (7.301%)$784
Taxes & Ins$244
Est. Utilities$260
% of Income23.8%
Pre-tax Residual$4,121

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Des Moines County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyMercer County, IL
$767/mo
countyHenry County, IA
$782/mo
countyLouisa County, IA
$776/mo
countyLee County, IA
$802/mo
countyHenderson County, IL
$814/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Des Moines County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Des Moines County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,180, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,288 per month (a difference of $108).

How much do utilities cost in Des Moines County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Des Moines County is approximately $260. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Des Moines County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Des Moines County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $47,200 per year.