Cost of Living in Des Moines, WA
Population 32,823 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Des Moines, WA is $1,799/month, 2% higher than the Washington median and 27% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $597,000, 79% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $92,483 a year, 6% lower than the state median.
Affordability
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Des Moines vs. Washington vs. U.S.
| Des Moines | Washington | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,799 | $1,760 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $597,000 | $564,600 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $92,483 | $98,141 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 60.6% | 63.8% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.4% | 39.6% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 12.1% | 9.9% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 7.5% | 5.1% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 14.7% | 19.8% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 38.0 | 38.3 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Des Moines, WA?
The median gross rent in Des Moines, WA is $1,799 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Des Moines, WA?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $71,960 a year in gross income.
Is Des Moines, WA expensive to live in?
Rent there is 27% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 6.5 times the median household income.
Other cities in Washington
Cities with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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