{"id":23844,"date":"2025-04-21T13:33:13","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T13:33:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/?p=23844"},"modified":"2026-01-13T17:40:45","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T17:40:45","slug":"how-much-does-it-cost-to-live-in-des-moines-ia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/how-much-does-it-cost-to-live-in-des-moines-ia\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does it Cost to Live in Des Moines, IA?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div>\n<p>If you&#8217;ve been researching the\u00a0cost of living in Des Moines, Iowa, you\u2019ve probably heard it\u2019s one of the Midwest\u2019s most affordable metros. But what makes it so budget-friendly? From\u00a0housing\u00a0prices well below the national average to reasonable\u00a0utilities,\u00a0food, and\u00a0transportation\u00a0costs, Des Moines offers a surprisingly low\u00a0average cost of living in Iowa without sacrificing amenities. But affordability isn\u2019t everything. <br><br>Is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/top-10-reasons-you-should-move-to-des-moines-ia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Des Moines a good place to live<\/a>\u00a0long-term? We\u2019ll break down key expenses like\u00a0healthcare,\u00a0goods &amp; services, and local\u00a0income\u00a0levels to see how the numbers stack up for families, professionals, and retirees. Whether you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/movers\/ia\/des-moines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">relocating<\/a> or just curious, here\u2019s what you need to know about making (and stretching) your money in Iowa\u2019s capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#h-housing\" >Housing<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-utilities\" >Utilities<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-food\" >Food<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-healthcare\" >Healthcare<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-transportation\" >Transportation<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-goods-amp-services\" >Goods &amp; Services<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-income\" >Income<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faqs\" >FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/nav><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"675\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/04\/cost-of-living-des-moines-1-675x1200.png\" alt=\"Graphic reading, &quot;Moving blog, how much does it cost to live in Des Moines, IA?&quot;\" class=\"wp-image-24967\" style=\"width:475px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/04\/cost-of-living-des-moines-1-675x1200.png 675w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/04\/cost-of-living-des-moines-1-169x300.png 169w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/04\/cost-of-living-des-moines-1-768x1365.png 768w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/04\/cost-of-living-des-moines-1-864x1536.png 864w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/04\/cost-of-living-des-moines-1.png 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 675px) 100vw, 675px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-housing\">Housing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When evaluating the&nbsp;cost of living in Des Moines, Iowa, housing has a significant advantage. The average cost of living in Iowa is already 13% lower than the national average, and Des Moines is no exception, with median home prices and rents significantly more affordable than those in larger U.S. cities. <br><br>Renting an apartment in&nbsp;Des Moines typically costs far less than in coastal metros, with an average price of $1,078. At the same time, homebuyers enjoy reasonable prices for single-family homes at an average of $358,050. Some of the most <a href=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/the-best-neighborhoods-in-des-moines-iowa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">affordable neighborhoods<\/a> have rent below $1,000 and an average home price of $166,420. Whether you prefer urban living or suburban charm, the cost of living in Des Moines, IA, keeps homeownership within reach. It&#8217;s clear why many ask:&nbsp;&#8220;Is Des Moines a good place to live?&#8221;&nbsp;The answer is often a resounding yes for those prioritizing affordability without sacrificing quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-utilities\">Utilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In Des Moines, utilities emerge as another area where residents save significantly. The&nbsp;average cost&nbsp;for essential services like electricity, water, and gas tends to be lower than national benchmarks by 16%. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/cost-of-living-calculator\/us\/ia\/des-moines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">RentCafe&#8217;s data<\/a> shows that monthly utility costs in&nbsp;Des Moines, IA\u2014including heating, cooling, and internet\u2014typically run well below what you&#8217;d pay in larger cities. For example, energy costs are around $148.44 while phone bills average $186.27. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-food\">Food<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the pleasant surprises for newcomers is how far food budgets stretch here. Grocery bills tend to run noticeably lower than national averages, with staples like dairy and produce costing less than $5 each. No more worrying about those egg prices! These <a href=\"https:\/\/www.numbeo.com\/food-prices\/in\/Des-Moines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">food savings<\/a> and other low-living expenses make the city particularly appealing for those seeking an affordable yet vibrant community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/04\/social-media-imagery-grocery-food-and-beverage-social-media-management-stockpack-unsplash-1200x1200.jpg\" alt=\"Woman grocery shopping for produce\" class=\"wp-image-23890\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-healthcare\">Healthcare<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most attractive aspects of living in Des Moines is that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/cost-of-living-calculator\/Iowa-Des-Moines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">healthcare expenses<\/a> run about 9% lower than the national average. A typical doctor&#8217;s visit costs around&nbsp;$127, while dental services average $105, significantly less than in many metropolitan areas.<br><br>For retirees, this affordability is particularly valuable. Combined with the city&#8217;s lower overall living expenses, these healthcare savings make Des Moines an increasingly popular choice for active seniors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-transportation\">Transportation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Transportation expenses in Des Moines are approximately 9% below the national average, making getting around both affordable and convenient. Gas prices typically run lower than in many other parts of the country, with current averages around&nbsp;$3.00\u2212$3.20 per gallon, a significant savings for commuters.&nbsp;Additionally, Des Moines offers plenty of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ridedart.com\/riding-bus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">public transport options<\/a> as well as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dsm.city\/departments\/engineering_-_division\/skywalks.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">skywalk system<\/a> that many pedestrians love to use in the wintertime. The stress-free commute is one of the many <a href=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/top-10-reasons-you-should-move-to-des-moines-ia\/#h-stress-free-commute\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">reasons<\/a> people find Des Moines a great place to live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-goods-amp-services\">Goods &amp; Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Des Moines offers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/cost-of-living-calculator\/us\/ia\/des-moines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">affordable pricing for both clothing and daily services<\/a>. For clothing essentials, a men&#8217;s dress shirt averages&nbsp;$36.99, women\u2032s slacks cost about $35.43, and a pair of boys&#8217; jeans runs approximately&nbsp;$24.01. When it comes to entertainment and personal services, residents can expect to pay around $11.10 for a movie ticket,&nbsp;$20.78 for a yoga class, and $14.86 for a newspaper subscription. <br><br>Personal care services remain budget-friendly too, with haircuts averaging&nbsp;$20.69, beauty salon visits costing $41.35, and dry cleaning services priced at $15.24. These reasonable prices across clothing and services categories contribute to Des Moines&#8217; overall cost-effective lifestyle, making it an attractive place for those looking to manage their everyday expenses wisely.<br><br>If you&#8217;re <a href=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/movers\/ia\/des-moines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">making the move to Des Moines<\/a>, UniMovers offers various <a href=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">services<\/a> for moving, whether you&#8217;re looking for a team to help you unload your truck or take care of all the heavy lifting from start to finish, the movers can accommodate your needs. If you&#8217;re interested, check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/move-estimate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UniMovers Estimate Calculator<\/a> to help you figure out the best combination of price and service to suit your fancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/04\/cost-of-living-des-moines.png\" alt=\"Graphic showing the cost of living in Des Moines vs the state and national averages\" class=\"wp-image-23932\" style=\"width:996px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/04\/cost-of-living-des-moines.png 1024w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/04\/cost-of-living-des-moines-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/04\/cost-of-living-des-moines-768x576.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-income\">Income<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Des Moines offers competitive wages that align well with its affordable <a href=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/7-things-to-know-before-moving-to-iowa\/#h-7-employment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cost of living<\/a>. The city&#8217;s median household income is approximately $65,000, providing residents with solid purchasing power. Many professional sectors, including finance, insurance, and healthcare, offer strong earning potential, while service industry jobs typically pay wages that keep pace with the area&#8217;s lower living expenses. <br><br>This balance between income and costs makes Des Moines an attractive option for professionals and families seeking financial stability without the high price tag of larger metro areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/04\/person-counting-cash-money-stockpack-pexels-1200x800.jpg\" alt=\"Person counting cash\" class=\"wp-image-23894\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Des Moines stands out as a well-balanced city where affordable living costs meet solid income potential. With groceries, dining, and healthcare priced below the national average\u2014and essentials like clothing and personal services remaining budget-friendly\u2014residents enjoy significant savings on everyday expenses. <br><br>The city\u2019s median household income of around $65,000 further strengthens its appeal, offering financial stability without the steep costs of larger metropolitan areas. Whether it\u2019s housing, entertainment, or professional opportunities, Des Moines provides a cost-effective lifestyle without compromising quality, making it an ideal choice for individuals and families alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-6966839dca4b3\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Why is Des Moines considered one of Iowa&#8217;s best places to live?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Between its\u00a0low cost of living,\u00a0strong job market,\u00a0friendly communities, and\u00a0cultural amenities\u00a0(festivals, trails, dining), <a href=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/top-10-reasons-you-should-move-to-des-moines-ia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Des Moines<\/a> offers\u00a0big-city perks without the high prices.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-6966839dca4b8\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Has the cost of living increased in Des Moines over the past few years?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, Des Moines&#8217; cost of living has risen modestly in recent years, with housing seeing the biggest jumps, but it remains 10-15% cheaper than the national average overall. While groceries, utilities, and gas have gotten more expensive, the city still offers better affordability than most comparable metros.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-6966839dca4b9\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \">Which neighborhoods in Des Moines are the most affordable?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The most affordable <a href=\"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/the-best-neighborhoods-in-des-moines-iowa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Des Moines neighborhoods<\/a> include\u00a0South Park\u00a0(avg. rent\u00a0$800), Drake Park (avg. rent $800), and Highland Park (homes ~120K with avg. rent of $1,000).<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;ve been researching the\u00a0cost of living in Des Moines, Iowa, you\u2019ve probably heard it\u2019s one of the Midwest\u2019s most affordable metros. But what makes it so budget-friendly? From\u00a0housing\u00a0prices well below the national average to reasonable\u00a0utilities,\u00a0food, and\u00a0transportation\u00a0costs, Des Moines offers a surprisingly low\u00a0average cost of living in Iowa without sacrificing amenities. But affordability isn\u2019t everything. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":78,"featured_media":23846,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"_has_post_settings":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[62,1141,97],"tags":[1437,1357,17,23],"class_list":["post-23844","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-moving-to","category-des-moines","category-iowa-moving-to","tag-cost-of-living-in-des-moines","tag-des-moines","tag-iowa","tag-moving-to-iowa"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23844","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/78"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23844"}],"version-history":[{"count":47,"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23844\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27692,"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23844\/revisions\/27692"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23846"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23844"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23844"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unimovers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23844"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}