Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Des Moines?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Des Moines, you need to earn at least $47,960/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $62,378, which means the typical resident is $14,418 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 213,164

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$839	$2,797	$33,560	$-28,818
1 Bedroom	$995	$3,317	$39,800	$-22,578
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,199	$3,997	$47,960	$-14,418
3 Bedroom	$1,463	$4,877	$58,520	$-3,858
4 Bedroom	$1,799	$5,997	$71,960	+$9,582

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Des Moines's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$62,378

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$47,960

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$14,418

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 23.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Des Moines

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Des Moines's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,559

Studio

$839/mo

1 BR

$995/mo

2 BR

$1,199/mo

3 BR

$1,463/mo

4 BR

$1,799/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Des Moines.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Des Moines's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Des Moines

Living in Des Moines is well within reach for most median-income earners. With a $14,418 cushion between what residents earn and what a 2-bedroom requires, households in Des Moines typically have meaningful financial flexibility after housing costs.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Des Moines, a studio at $839/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,463/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $58,520.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $71,940 would position you well — though many residents in Des Moines manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Des Moines, Iowa.

With a total population of 213,164, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 111,598 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $47,960 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

111,598

Active civilian employees in Des Moines

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Des Moines

What salary do I need to live in Des Moines, Iowa?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Des Moines under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $47,960. The median household income in Des Moines is $62,378.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Des Moines on $62,378?

The affordability verdict for Des Moines is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 23.1%, meaning median earners have a $14,418 surplus.

What is the average rent in Des Moines compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Des Moines is $995/month. With a median household income of $62,378, residents spend approximately 23.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Des Moines?

A studio in Des Moines rents for approximately $839/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $33,560 to afford this.

Is Des Moines considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $14,418 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Des Moines is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $47,960 to the local median household income.

How Des Moines Compares

Other cities in Iowa with salary requirements