Average Rent in Des Moines 2026
Des Moines Rent Prices by Bedroom
1 Bedroom
$950
per month
2 Bedrooms
$1,200
per month
3 Bedrooms
$1,500
per month
Monthly Housing Cost Breakdown in Des Moines
Rent is only part of your monthly housing cost. Here is what the average Des Moines renter pays when you add utilities, internet, and renters insurance to rent.
| Expense | 1-Bedroom | 2-Bedroom | 3-Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $950 | $1,200 | $1,500 |
| Utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) | $85 | $105 | $130 |
| Internet | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| Renters insurance | $14 | $17 | $20 |
| Total monthly | $1,119 | $1,392 | $1,720 |
Utility estimates scale with Des Moines’s cost of living index (88). Your actual bill depends on unit size, climate, and individual usage.
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.
| Apartment | Monthly Rent | Min Annual Income | Min Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $950/mo | $38,000 | $18.27/hr |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,200/mo | $48,000 | $23.08/hr |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,500/mo | $60,000 | $28.85/hr |
Based on the 30% rule and a 2,080-hour work year. Many landlords also require gross income of 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent or a guarantor who earns 80x rent annually.
What Rent Can You Afford in Des Moines at Your Income?
Use this table to see the maximum monthly rent you can afford at different income levels, and which Des Moines apartment sizes that fits.
| Annual Income | Gross Monthly | Max Rent (30%) | Fits in Des Moines |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000/yr | $3,333 | $1,000 | 1-bedroom |
| $60,000/yr | $5,000 | $1,500 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
| $80,000/yr | $6,667 | $2,000 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
| $100,000/yr | $8,333 | $2,500 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
| $150,000/yr | $12,500 | $3,750 | 3-bedroom or smaller |
If your income puts a solo 1-bedroom out of reach, splitting a 2-bedroom with a roommate drops your share to $600 in Des Moines — often the difference between affordable and not.
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. See the fair rent split calculator when rooms aren’t equal sizes.
Move-In Costs in Des Moines
On top of your first month's rent, expect these upfront costs before the keys are in your hand. Plan for roughly 2-3 months of rent saved before signing a lease.
Security Deposit
$950–$1,900
1-2 months' rent, refundable
First Month
$950
Due at lease signing
Broker/App Fees
$50–$950
Varies by market and listing
Total upfront cash to sign a 1-bedroom lease in Des Moines: $1,950–$3,800 depending on broker fees and deposit size.
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.
How Des Moines Compares to Other US Cities
Des Moines sits near the US average on rent. Compare the 1-bedroom price with nearby tiers to see where you could move to spend less, or what to expect if you go pricier.
Cheaper than Des Moines
Des Moines is among the most affordable cities in our dataset.
See the full comparison across 50 US cities on the rent data hub or the cost of living comparison.
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.
What utilities should you budget for in Des Moines?
Renters in Des Moines typically pay about $85 per month for utilities (electric, gas, water, trash) on a 1-bedroom apartment. Internet adds another $60-$80 per month, and renters insurance runs around $14 per month. Altogether, plan for roughly $169 on top of your $950 rent.
How much is a security deposit in Des Moines?
Most Des Moines landlords ask for a security deposit equal to 1 month's rent — about $950 for a 1-bedroom at the Des Moines average. Some properties charge up to 2 months ($1,900), especially for tenants without local rental history or with lower credit scores. Pet deposits usually add another $250-$500 on top.
Is Des Moines affordable on the median household income?
Yes. The median household income in Des Moines is $53,453, which comes out to about $4,454 per month. At the average 1-bedroom rent of $950, that's roughly 21% of gross monthly income — within the 30% rule most budget guides recommend.
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Planning to rent in Des Moines?