Average Rent in Des Moines, IA↑ Rents rising 12.6% YoY🔺 2nd priciest in IA

Des Moines, IA has rental prices ranging from $954/month to $1,638/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,017/month — 27% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $84,209/year, spending $1,017/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Des Moines Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,216/month, Des Moines ranks #2 most expensive of the 94 cities tracked in Iowa — pricier than 83% of all US cities in our data.

The Des Moines Rental Market

The Des Moines, IA area has a population of about 720,331 and 31% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Des Moines, IA have risen by $136/month (12.6%) over the past year, from $1,080 to $1,216. This rate of increase is significant and reflects strong rental demand and limited housing supply in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Des Moines, IA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $40,680. The local median household income of $84,209 exceeds that threshold by $43,529, making Des Moines relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Des Moines, IA is $212,479, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 14.6. The break-even point between renting and buying is roughly 15 years — renting offers more flexibility for shorter stays, while buying makes more sense for long-term residents.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Des Moines's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Capitol East ($143,876 median home value), Mondamin Presidential ($145,700 median home value), Fairground ($151,604 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Des Moines, IA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Des Moines?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Des Moines

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.