For most of us, living in these high end Des Moines neighborhoods may be well beyond our means, as these neighborhoods include some of the highest real estate and rental prices in Iowa. Listed below are the most expensive neighborhoods in Des Moines for 2026, sorted by overall cost of living which includes: groceries, goods and services, real estate and rent prices. In case you’re wondering, the cost of living average for all cities across the nation is 100.

Population 458
27%
Cost of Living Index 117 vs 91
27% higher than Des Moines
Population 1,243
26%
Cost of Living Index 116 vs 91
26% higher than Des Moines
Population 5,525
22%
Cost of Living Index 111 vs 91
22% higher than Des Moines
Population 1,127
19%
Cost of Living Index 109 vs 91
19% higher than Des Moines
Population 2,875
18%
Cost of Living Index 108 vs 91
18% higher than Des Moines
Population 1,669
17%
Cost of Living Index 107 vs 91
17% higher than Des Moines
Population 1,609
15%
Cost of Living Index 105 vs 91
15% higher than Des Moines
Population 664
14%
Cost of Living Index 104 vs 91
14% higher than Des Moines
Population 4,832
12%
Cost of Living Index 102 vs 91
12% higher than Des Moines
Population 3,220
9%
Cost of Living Index 100 vs 91
9% higher than Des Moines
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report