Live federal data · 60+ metricsCensus · BLS · BEA · FBI · FEMA · NOAA & moreNo data sold
City guide · Iowa
Moving to Des Moines, IA
Insurance hub, plains, very low cost.
Pop. 214kCost index 90.0 · 100 = US avgMedian rent $1,050/moMedian home $200kWalk score 47
Des Moines (metro area) has an overall price level 90.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.
Overall price index
90.0Housing index
65.3Groceries index (modeled)
97.5Utilities index (modeled)
98.5Electricity rate
13.4 ¢/kWhTransportation index (modeled)
98.0Median home value (est.)
$200,000Median monthly rent (est.)
$1,050/moIowa unemployment is 3.3% with median household income $76k.
Unemployment rate
3.3%Median household income
$75,501Per-capita income
$40,536Labor-force participation
66.5%Right-to-work state
YesNurse Licensure Compact
MemberDes Moines: median home value $200,000.
Home value
$200,000Rent
$1,050/moHomeownership rate
71.0%Natural-hazard risk (FEMA county avg)
40/100Hurricane exposure
LowWildfire exposure
LowTornado risk
HighEarthquake risk
LowIowa 4th-grade math proficiency: 38.9% at/above NAEP proficient.
4th-grade math proficiency
38.9%Per-pupil spending
$12,695Student–teacher ratio (est.)
16Public 4-yr grad rate
73.0%Notable universities
Public flagship + regional schoolsCompare Des Moines to where you live now
Salary you'd need, tax delta, rent reality-check, and a 90-day move timeline — one clear verdict.
Start free comparison