| Index | West Des Moines | Iowa | National |
| Cost of living | 103 | 89 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care | 97 | 96 | 100 |
| Housing | 119 | 74 | 100 |
| Transportation | 96 | 97 | 100 |
| Utilities | 97 | 95 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 91 | 95 | 100 |
| Household Items | 98 | 97 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 90 | 94 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in West 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 West Des Moines cost of living index is 103, which is 3% 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.
The cost of living in West Des Moines is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
Is West 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 West Des Moines, the median home price is 22.7% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 9.1% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with West Des Moines boasting a median household income of $108,307, 33.2% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In West Des Moines, the utilities index stands at 2.8% lower than the national average.
Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In West Des Moines, the groceries index is 1.2% 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 West Des Moines, the transportation index is 4% lower than the national average.
The cost of living data for West 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 | $156,774 | $13,065 | $3,658 | $4,704 |
| Renters | $75,783 | $6,315 | $1,768 | $2,274 |
| 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% |
| Spring Hill, IA | 49 | 86 | 14.5% |
| Martensdale, IA | 518 | 89 | 10.6% |
| Elkhart, IA | 709 | 91 | 9.2% |
| Des Moines, IA | 221,968 | 91 | 8.5% |
| West Des Moines, IA | 68,345 | 103 | 2.6% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| North Little Rock, AR | 68,354 | 91 | 9.2% |
| Lodi, CA | 68,361 | 132 | 31.7% |
| Redondo Beach, CA | 68,376 | 212 | 111.8% |
| Eagan, MN | 68,193 | 117 | 16.6% |
| Ames, IA | 68,047 | 100 | 0.1% |
| West Des Moines, IA | 68,345 | 103 | 2.6% |
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