| Index | Des Moines | Washington | National |
| Cost of living | 133 | 119 | 100 |
| Groceries | 108 | 107 | 100 |
| Health care | 108 | 109 | 100 |
| Housing | 188 | 138 | 100 |
| Transportation | 112 | 112 | 100 |
| Utilities | 112 | 110 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 107 | 112 | 100 |
| Household Items | 104 | 107 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 110 | 117 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Des Moines can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Des Moines cost of living index is 133, which is 33% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Des Moines may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Des Moines falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.
When it comes to the cost of living in Des Moines, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 88.4% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.
Is Des Moines affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Des Moines, the median home price is 105.8% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 47.7% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Des Moines boasting a median household income of $103,920, 27.8% higher than the national average.
Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Des Moines, the housing index stands at 88.4% higher than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.
Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Des Moines, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.5%, and the income tax rates commence at 0%.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Des Moines are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across 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 | $144,616 | $12,051 | $3,374 | $4,339 |
| Renters | $77,418 | $6,452 | $1,806 | $2,323 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Washington | 6.5% | 10.4% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Washington | 0% | 0% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Fairwood CDP (Spokane County), WA | 8,331 | 113 | 13.4% |
| North Puyallup, WA | 2,029 | 111 | 11.1% |
| East Port Orchard, WA | 5,187 | 118 | 17.8% |
| Bremerton, WA | 42,880 | 119 | 18.8% |
| Enetai, WA | 2,067 | 120 | 19.9% |
| Des Moines, WA | 32,691 | 133 | 32.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Bangor, ME | 32,703 | 99 | 1.4% |
| Bowling Green, OH | 32,672 | 94 | 6.1% |
| Orangeville, ON | 32,668 | n/a | |
| Juneau, AK | 32,746 | 132 | 31.9% |
| Midlothian, TX | 32,750 | 111 | 11.1% |
| Des Moines, WA | 32,691 | 133 | 32.5% |
Here are the best places to live in Washington
These are the largest cities in Washington
Check out the 10 safest cities in Washington
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Washington