Cost of Living in Des Moines, IA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,031 (excluding rent), and $2,086 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,469 (excluding rent), and $4,128 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$15.97 $15.97

$14.97 $14.97

$49.91 $49.91

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$78.6 $78.6

$54 $54

$118 $118

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.86 $11.86

$9.88 $9.88

$12.85 $12.85

Cappuccino

$4.79 $4.79

$2.44 $2.44

$9.76 $9.76

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.37 $2.37

$2.02 $2.02

$3.54 $3.54

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.94 $1.94

$1.53 $1.53

$3.06 $3.06

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.1 $5.1

$3.06 $3.06

$8.16 $8.16

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.89 $6.89

$3.94 $3.94

$8.86 $8.86

Milk (1 liter)

$0.92 $0.92

$0.7 $0.7

$1.55 $1.55

White Bread (500g)

$2.57 $2.57

$1.13 $1.13

$6.8 $6.8

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.22 $2.22

$1.78 $1.78

$7.79 $7.79

Eggs

$3.51 $3.51

$1.95 $1.95

$8.75 $8.75

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.55 $12.55

$8.69 $8.69

$26.12 $26.12

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.49 $10.49

$5.47 $5.47

$19.76 $19.76

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.1 $13.1

$9.37 $9.37

$22.35 $22.35

Apples (1kg)

$4.39 $4.39

$1.52 $1.52

$8.68 $8.68

Banana (1kg)

$1.5 $1.5

$0.65 $0.65

$3.32 $3.32

Oranges (1kg)

$3.64 $3.64

$2.19 $2.19

$10.97 $10.97

Tomato (1kg)

$3.54 $3.54

$1.77 $1.77

$7.55 $7.55

Potato (1kg)

$1.68 $1.68

$1.13 $1.13

$6.31 $6.31

Onion (1kg)

$2.97 $2.97

$2.15 $2.15

$4.76 $4.76

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.25 $2.25

$1.87 $1.87

$2.98 $2.98

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.13 $1.13

$4.62 $4.62

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.07 $7.07

$6.54 $6.54

$11.89 $11.89

Wine (Bottle)

$13.81 $13.81

$9.46 $9.46

$27.62 $27.62

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.76 $1.76

$3.99 $3.99

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.02 $4.02

$1.6 $1.6

$8.04 $8.04

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.71 $1.71

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$58.3 $58.3

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.03 $2.03

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.26 $1.26

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$19.95 $19.95

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.76 $0.76

$0.67 $0.67

$0.85 $0.85

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$25.7K $25.7K

$35.3K $35.3K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.9K $24.9K

$23.8K $23.8K

$25.3K $25.3K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$142 $142

$125 $125

$400 $400

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$52.1 $52.1

$22.37 $22.37

$102 $102

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$54.5 $54.5

$50.9 $50.9

$102 $102

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$65.5 $65.5

$39.27 $39.27

$98.2 $98.2

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$20.02 $20.02

Cinema Ticket

$14.74 $14.74

$9.83 $9.83

$15.72 $15.72

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,364 $1,364

$1,062 $1,062

$2,039 $2,039

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12K $12K

$29.2K $29.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$52.7 $52.7

$29.83 $29.83

$99.4 $99.4

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.5 $41.5

$24.7 $24.7

$84 $84

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$71.5 $71.5

$49 $49

$147 $147

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$124 $124

$58.8 $58.8

$245 $245

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,219 $1,219

$917 $917

$1,487 $1,487

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$906 $906

$844 $844

$1,093 $1,093

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,730 $1,730

$1,570 $1,570

$1,963 $1,963

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,467 $1,467

$1,372 $1,372

$1,564 $1,564

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,294 $2,294

$2,076 $2,076

$2,438 $2,438

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,275 $2,275

$2,058 $2,058

$2,417 $2,417

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,582 $3,582

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.5

6.19

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Des Moines, IA - Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines offers a balanced mix of affordability and city amenities that many travelers, expats, and digital nomads value. Cost of Living in Des Moines, IA, United States tends to feel steady rather than flashy, with reasonable housing options, affordable utilities, and accessible groceries compared with larger coastal metros. You’ll find walkable downtowns, cafe culture, and parks that suit quiet workdays or weekend explorations. Seasonality matters: winters are colder and require planning, while summers open outdoor living and markets. For value seekers, consider neighborhoods near the center or university corridors for shorter commutes and flexible housing. Tip: map a one-month trial budget to test daily costs against your workflow.

Housing options range from downtown lofts to suburban rentals, with walkable cores and short commutes shaping your search. You’ll find farmers markets, casual bistros, and grocery options that fit different budgets. Public transit serves longer trips, while biking and rideshare ease daily errands. Co-working spaces and quiet cafés support focus days, with neighborhoods offering distinct vibes from the riverfront to tree-lined streets. Des Moines, IA, United States living cost stays approachable if you compare leases, look for all-in-one utilities, and plan grocery runs around markets and seasonal sales. Tip: set a two-week test period to sample neighborhoods at different times.

To maximize life in Des Moines, adopt a simple budgeting framework: categorize housing, utilities, groceries, transport, and leisure, then set monthly targets by season. Neighborhood fit matters: East Village offers walkable dining and nightlife, Sherman Hill gives historic charm, and Beaverdale or Merle Hay suit families and car commuters. Embrace seasonal routines like summer farmers markets and winter recreation at local parks. Look for bundled utilities or longer leases to lock in steadier costs, and use local swap groups or second-hand markets to stretch dollars. Tip: Prioritize neighborhoods that align with your routine and test a sample month to compare costs across seasons.