What Salary Do You Need to Live in Des Moines, IA?

To live comfortably in Des Moines, a household needs to earn roughly $45,000/year. That's about $3,750/month before taxes.

The Number: $45,000/year

At $45,000 per year, a household in Des Moines can afford median-priced rental housing at roughly 28% of gross income.

This is based on Des Moines's median monthly rent of $1,107 and the 28% housing guideline. Source: Census ACS 2024.

Des Moines at a Glance

Median rent$1,107/mo
Median home price$213,300
Median household income$67,297
State income tax3.8% flat
Sales tax7%

Sources: Census ACS 2024, Tax Foundation.

For Single Residents

A single person can live comfortably in Des Moines on roughly $30,000/year. That's about $2,500/month before taxes.

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Note: Salary estimates are based on the 28% housing guideline applied to median rents from Census ACS 2024. Individual circumstances vary. Full disclaimer.

Salary Questions About Des Moines

The median monthly rent is $1,107. Using the 30% guideline, you need about $44,000/year to afford this comfortably.

The median home price is $213,300. With a 20% down payment, you would need roughly $42,660 saved and a household income to support the mortgage payments.

The median household income is $67,297/year. Our recommended salary of $45,000/year is near the median, reflecting a comfortable (not extravagant) standard of living.