| Index | Des Moines | Iowa | National |
| Cost of living | 91 | 89 | 100 |
| Groceries | 96 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care | 94 | 96 | 100 |
| Housing | 83 | 74 | 100 |
| Transportation | 96 | 97 | 100 |
| Utilities | 92 | 95 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 98 | 95 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 97 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 91 | 94 | 100 |
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Des Moines is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Des Moines is 91, which is 9% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
The cost of living in Des Moines closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Des Moines can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 27 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Des Moines. The feedback revealed that 52% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 48% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Is Des Moines affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Des Moines, for instance, where the median home price falls 21.6% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 7.3% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Des Moines flaunting a median household income of $82,534, 1.5% higher than the national norm.
Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Des Moines, the groceries index is 3.6% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Des Moines, healthcare costs are 6.3% lower than the national average.
Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Des Moines, the transportation index is 3.8% lower than the national average.
The cost of living data for Des Moines shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $104,504 | $8,709 | $2,438 | $3,135 |
| Renters | $53,979 | $4,498 | $1,259 | $1,620 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Iowa | 6% | 7% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Iowa | 4.4% | 6% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Bevington, IA | 28 | 96 | 4.3% |
| Valeria, IA | 42 | 79 | 20.8% |
| Spring Hill, IA | 49 | 86 | 14.5% |
| Sandyville, IA | 66 | 87 | 12.9% |
| Hartford, IA | 730 | 88 | 11.6% |
| Des Moines, IA | 221,968 | 91 | 8.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| San Bernardino, CA | 221,910 | 124 | 23.5% |
| Enterprise, NV | 221,693 | 122 | 22.2% |
| Richmond, BC | 222,489 | n/a | |
| Modesto, CA | 222,619 | 130 | 29.9% |
| Tacoma, WA | 223,137 | 125 | 24.9% |
| Des Moines, IA | 221,968 | 91 | 8.5% |
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