Des Moines, IA, US
Insurance capital with low unemployment, farmers markets, and incredibly affordable living.
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Des Moines vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6.0%
- Sales Tax: 6.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $58,000
- Unemployment: 2.5%
- Population: 212,031
Climate
- Sunny Days: 200/year
- Summer High: 86°F
- Winter Low: 10°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 4b
Housing
- Median Home: $210,000
- 1BR Rent: $1050/mo
Cost of Living
Des Moines's cost of living index is 90.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Des Moines | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 90.5 | 100 | -9.5% |
| Housing | 82.5 | 100 | -17.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $210,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1050/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,313/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $140 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Des Moines:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $90 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $93 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $1 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $45 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $60 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $314 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Des Moines scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Des Moines has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°F | 10°F | 2.5" |
| April | 71°F | 25°F | 2.8" |
| July | 86°F | 61°F | 1.5" |
| October | 66°F | 28°F | 2.2" |
Cold — cool-season crops, hardy perennials
Natural Hazards
Des Moines faces the following natural hazards:
Tornado Alley with frequent tornadoes.
River flooding.
Severe winter storms.
Summer heat waves.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 6%
- Sales Tax: 6%
- Property Tax: ~1.57% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.5%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Des Moines per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Des Moines, IA, US?
The cost of living index in Des Moines is 90.5, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Des Moines?
The median home price in Des Moines is $210,000. The housing index is 82.5.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Des Moines is approximately $1050/mo.
Does Des Moines, IA have income tax?
Des Moines is in IA, which has an income tax rate of 6%.
What is the climate like in Des Moines?
Des Moines enjoys approximately 200 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 86°F, while winter lows can drop to around 10°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.