Average Rent in Des Moines 2026
The average rent in Des Moines, IA is $950 for a 1-bedroom, $1,200 for a 2-bedroom, and $1,500 for a 3-bedroom apartment in 2026. The cost of living in Des Moines is 12% below the national average. To afford a 1-bedroom apartment here using the 30% rule, you need an annual income of at least $38,000.
Des Moines Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$950
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,200
per month
3 Bedrooms
$1,500
per month
Cost of Living in Des Moines
88
Cost of Living Index (100 = national average)
Des Moines's cost of living index is 88, which is 12% below the national average. This index factors in housing, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and utilities. A higher number means you need more income to maintain the same standard of living compared to the national average.
Des Moines at a Glance
Population
212K
Median Income
$53,453
COL Index
88
Rent Control
No
How Much Income Do You Need to Rent in Des Moines?
The widely accepted guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. Here is the minimum annual income you need to afford an apartment in Des Moines by bedroom count:
1-Bedroom
$950/mo rent
$38,000/yr
2-Bedroom
$1,200/mo rent
$48,000/yr
3-Bedroom
$1,500/mo rent
$60,000/yr
Based on the 30% rule: monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.
How Much You Save with a Roommate in Des Moines
Save $350/month
by splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate
Solo 1BR
$950
per month
Split 2BR
$600
per person/month
Annual Savings
$4,200
per year
Instead of paying $950 for a 1-bedroom on your own, splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,200) with one roommate brings your share to $600. That is $4,200 per year you could put toward savings, investments, or paying down debt.
Rent Control in Des Moines
Des Moines, IA does not currently have rent control or rent stabilization laws. Landlords can raise rent by any amount at lease renewal, though they are typically required to provide advance notice (usually 30-60 days). If you are concerned about rent increases, consider negotiating a longer lease term for price stability.
Rent Calculators for Des Moines Renters
Use these free calculators to plan your Des Moines rental budget, split rent with roommates, and check if you qualify for an apartment.
Rent Affordability Calculator
Find out how much rent you can afford based on your income.
Fair Rent Split Calculator
Split rent fairly by room size, features, and income.
Rent-to-Income Calculator
Check if you meet the 3x rent rule landlords require.
Renter Budget Calculator
Build a 50/30/20 budget around your rent payment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Des Moines
Is Des Moines expensive to rent in?
Des Moines is one of the most affordable metros in the Midwest. A 1-bedroom averages $950 per month in 2026. The East Village and downtown are pricier, while Urbandale and West Des Moines offer suburban value.
How much income do you need to rent in Des Moines?
Using the 30% rule, you need about $3,167 per month ($38,000 annually) to afford an average $950/month 1-bedroom apartment in Des Moines.
How much can you save by splitting rent with a roommate in Des Moines?
Splitting a 2-bedroom ($1,200/month) with one roommate brings your share to $600, saving $350 per month or $4,200 per year versus renting a 1-bedroom alone.
Planning to rent in Des Moines?