salaryRent is lower than in 56% of U.S. cities. A typical house costs about 3.3 years of household income. Commutes are short, about 18.3 minutes.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $61,080 a year. That is $29 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other Iowa cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of Iowa. It is number 75 of 86 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
How much do households earn in West Des Moines?
Share of households by yearly income. 33.1% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in West Des Moines
| Size | West Des Moines | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,220 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,295 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,370 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,638 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,469 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is West Des Moines overall?
Everyday prices in the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area are 8% below the U.S. average (index 91.7, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in West Des Moines
Life in West Des Moines
What jobs pay in West Des Moines
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacist | $141,110 | 13.0% |
| Lawyer | $134,560 | 13.6% |
| Physician Assistant | $133,830 | 13.7% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $132,230 | 13.9% |
| Software Developer | $126,460 | 14.5% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $102,070 | 18.0% |
| Operations Manager | $98,780 | 18.6% |
| Civil Engineer | $97,330 | 18.8% |
| Dental Hygienist | $93,660 | 19.6% |
| Police Officer | $81,810 | 22.4% |
| Accountant | $79,290 | 23.1% |
| Registered Nurse | $78,630 | 23.3% |
| Market Research Analyst | $76,580 | 23.9% |
| Plumber | $75,040 | 24.4% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $63,670 | 28.8% |
| Electrician | $62,840 | 29.2% |
| HVAC Technician | $62,640 | 29.3% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,650 | 29.7% |
| Carpenter | $61,360 | 29.9% |
| Truck Driver | $60,720 | 30.2% |
| Firefighter | $56,910 | 32.2% |
| Customer Service Representative | $48,880 | 37.5% |
| Medical Assistant | $46,920 | 39.1% |
| Warehouse Worker | $46,370 | 39.5% |
| Nursing Assistant | $43,940 | 41.7% |
| Restaurant Cook | $36,070 | 50.8% |
| Retail Salesperson | $33,430 | 54.8% |
| Cashier | $29,640 | 61.8% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,410 | 89.8% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in West Des Moines?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $617 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $309,000 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $30,900 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in West Des Moines, IA?
Renting in West Des Moines costs a median of about $1,527 a month in 2026, including utilities. The Iowa median is $1,071.
How much do I need to make to live in West Des Moines?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $61,080 a year, or $29 an hour at a full-time job.
Is West Des Moines cheap or expensive?
West Des Moines is rated Cheap: rent takes 19.6% of the typical household income of $93,392. It ranks 75th cheapest of 86 Iowa cities we track.
How much are property taxes in West Des Moines?
The median homeowner in West Des Moines pays $4,711 a year in property taxes, about 1.52% of the median home value.
Is West Des Moines more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 8% below the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in West Des Moines?
The median home value in West Des Moines is $309,000, about 3.3 times the typical yearly household income.
71,083 people live in West Des Moines. Numbers are typical (middle) values.