Des Moines, WA

Very High · 141

Washington · Population 32,545 · Updated March 2026

$1,727
Median Rent / Month
$89,787
Median Income
$539,800
Median Home Value
$1,844
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Des Moines

23.1%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Washington

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.5%
Sales Tax
0.92%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$20,724
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$4,966
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Des Moines has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 141 (where 100 equals the national median), Des Moines residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,727/month while earning a median household income of $89,787/year.

The median home value in Des Moines, WA is $539,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,844 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.1% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Washington has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 6.5% sales tax rate and 0.92% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in Des Moines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Des Moines

What is the cost of living in Des Moines, WA?
The cost of living index in Des Moines, WA is 141 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,727, median household income is $89,787/year, and the median home value is $539,800.
Is Des Moines, WA affordable?
No, Des Moines is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 141. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Des Moines, WA?
The median gross rent in Des Moines, WA is $1,727 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $20,724.
What is the median household income in Des Moines?
The median household income in Des Moines, WA is $89,787 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Washington?
Washington has a top income tax rate of 0%, a sales tax of 6.5%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.92%. Notably, there is no state income tax.