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Cost of Living in Des Moines

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.

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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.

$69,056
$1,124/mo

Median in area: $1,124

$209,560

Median in area: $209,560

$41,912

If you Rent

🔑
$1,284 /mo
Base Rent$1,124
Est. Utilities$160
% of Income22.3%
Pre-tax Residual$4,471

If you Buy

🏠
$1,644 /mo
P&I (7.032%)$1,119
Taxes & Ins$365
Est. Utilities$160
% of Income28.6%
Pre-tax Residual$4,111

Cost of Living FAQs

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

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 $1,284, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,644 per month (a difference of $360).

How much do utilities cost in Des Moines?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Des Moines is approximately $160. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

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 $51,360 per year.