Des Moines, Iowa has an overall cost of living index of 92.1, which is 7.9 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,054 per month, while the typical home is valued around $183,700. Households earn a median of $63,966 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 29. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$63,966
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,054
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$183,700
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
92.1
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,063
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,109
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,318
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$1,794
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
92.1
Goods
93.3
Rents / Housing
87.6
Services
100.7
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
5.70%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
6.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $112,790 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $76,830 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $60,490 |
| ⚡Electrician | $66,280 |
| 📊Accountant | $80,440 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
212,464
Latest estimate
Median Age
34.6 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
29.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Des Moines?
Des Moines has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 92.1. The US national average is 100, so Des Moines is 7.9 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Des Moines?
The median gross rent in Des Moines is $1,054 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Des Moines?
The median household income in Des Moines is $63,966 per year.
What is the median home value in Des Moines?
The median home value in Des Moines is $183,700 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Des Moines?
Des Moines has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 29.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Des Moines?
Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 5.70% and a statewide sales tax of 6.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology