Is Des Moines expensive to live in?
Median income: $57,000. Median rent: $1,000. Median home price: $220,000.
Relocation guide · Iowa
Moving to Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, IA city guide. Population is 214,133. Median household income is $57,000. Median rent is $1,000.
Median Rent
$1,000/mo
Median Income
$57,000
State Tax
3.9%
Population
214,133
Cost of living
What you'll spend in Des Moines
Median income: $57,000. Median rent: $1,000. Median home price: $220,000.
Median Rent/mo
$1,000
Median Home Price
$220,000
Median Income
$57,000
Rent-to-Income
21%
Taxes
Your tax situation in Iowa
State tax rate: 3.9%. Local tax rate: 7%.
State Income Tax
3.90%
Local Tax Rate
7.00%
Climate
Weather in Des Moines
Average high: 62°F. Average low: 41°F. Annual rainfall: 36 inches. Sunny days: 204.
Avg High Temp
62°F
Avg Low Temp
41°F
Sunny Days/yr
204
Annual Rainfall
36"
Relocation checklist
Before you move to Des Moines
Use this checklist to stay organized during your move.
- ✓Research neighborhoods and commute routes
- ✓Compare rent vs buying based on your timeline
- ✓Check state income tax impact on your salary
- ✓Verify employer presence or remote work infrastructure
- ✓Review health insurance and healthcare options
- ✓Update driver's license and vehicle registration
- ✓Transfer voter registration to new state
- ✓Find a local bank or update your address
- ✓Research school districts if moving with children
- ✓Get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
Considering other cities?
Compare Des Moines with similar cities
Frequently asked questions about moving to Des Moines
What is the average rent in Des Moines?
The median rent in Des Moines is $1,000/month. Median home price is $220,000. Many newcomers rent for the first year to learn the neighborhoods before buying.
Does Iowa have a state income tax?
State tax rate: 3.9%. Local tax rate: 7%.
What is Des Moines known for?
Des Moines, IA city guide. Population is 214,133. Median household income is $57,000. Median rent is $1,000.
What should I know before moving to Des Moines?
Research neighborhoods carefully — Des Moines has significant variation in cost and lifestyle by area.
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Updated 2026.