Cost of Living in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

How far does a $70,000 salary go in Des Moines-West Des Moines? Estimated income taxes on that gross salary total approximately $10,932 per year — combining federal taxes with Iowa's state income tax. Subtract rent for a 2-bedroom apartment ($1,318/month based on HUD Fair Market Rents for the Des Moines-West Des Moines metro area) and the estimated annual take-home is $43,252, or roughly $3,604 per month for everything else: food, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending.

The Des Moines-West Des Moines metro has a cost of living index of 86.0 according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (national average = 100). At 14% below the national average, Des Moines-West Des Moines is a genuinely affordable metro where everyday expenses stretch further than in most cities.

At a $70,000 salary, the estimated 2-bedroom rent in Des Moines-West Des Moines represents approximately 23% of gross income. That falls comfortably below the 30% rent-burden guideline, a healthy position for building savings.