West Des Moines, IA

Below Avg · 88

Iowa · Population 69,893 · Updated March 2026

$1,194
Median Rent / Month
$84,925
Median Income
$286,300
Median Home Value
$1,288
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in West Des Moines

16.9%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Iowa

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

5.7%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.0%
Sales Tax
1.57%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$14,328
Annual Rent
$4,841
State Income Tax
$4,495
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

West Des Moines offers a below-average cost of living, giving residents more purchasing power compared to many US cities. With a cost index of 88 (where 100 equals the national median), West Des Moines residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,194/month while earning a median household income of $84,925/year.

The median home value in West Des Moines, IA is $286,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,288 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Iowa has a moderate income tax rate of 5.7%. Combined with a 6.0% sales tax rate and 1.57% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in West Des Moines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in West Des Moines

What is the cost of living in West Des Moines, IA?
The cost of living index in West Des Moines, IA is 88 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,194, median household income is $84,925/year, and the median home value is $286,300.
Is West Des Moines, IA affordable?
Yes, West Des Moines is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 88. The rent-to-income ratio is 16.9%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in West Des Moines, IA?
The median gross rent in West Des Moines, IA is $1,194 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $14,328.
What is the median household income in West Des Moines?
The median household income in West Des Moines, IA is $84,925 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Iowa?
Iowa has a top income tax rate of 5.7%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.57%.