Are you considering a move to Des Moines, Iowa, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Des Moines, Iowa is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Des Moines, Iowa and help you understand whether $2907 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $4242.22.
|
Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
15.5 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
70.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
9.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
4.5 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
5.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
5.27 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.42 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.92 $ |
|
|
Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
1.04 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.2 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
3.76 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.57 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
13.56 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
8.82 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
12.32 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
4.18 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
1.65 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
3.51 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
4.98 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
1.64 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
2.42 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
2.13 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.1 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
14.5 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.73 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
3.07 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
6.81 $ |
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|
Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.75 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
48.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.5 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.24 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
50.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.86 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
22620.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
23127.0 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
147.35 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
63.5 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
60.0 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
30.0 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
15.0 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
725.0 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
8000.0 $ |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
51.33 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
55.0 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
65.5 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
83.0 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1287.5 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
916.67 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
1750.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1487.5 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
3161.0 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
-- |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
4242.22 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.64 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Des Moines, Iowa come to a total of approximately $2907. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1287 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $179 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $841 per month.
Living in Des Moines, Iowa appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $4242.22. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Des Moines, Iowa, you would likely need an income exceeding $4242.22.
In Des Moines, Iowa, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $4242.22, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Des Moines, Iowa is approximately $1287. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $916.67 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Des Moines, Iowa can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $638 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
Des Moines is a safe city if you do not neglect the usual security measures. If you travel by car - park it only in a guarded parking lot and always close it well. It’s safe to go almost everywhere in the city during the day. At night, be careful.
Public transport and taxis are entirely safe. However, do not forget to monitor your personal belongings and pockets when using the bus - there may be pickpockets. Use only licensed taxi services, call through the application on your smartphone.
Pickpockets are not a big problem at Des Moines, but watch out for it. Their goal is usually tourists who do not keep track of their bags and pockets. Be careful in crowds, and watch your surroundings.
The risk of tornado damage in Des Moines is higher than the Iowa average and much higher than the national average. Examine the weather conditions in this region before you travel here and take appropriate security measures.
Armed severe robberies are rare here. However, in some areas of the city in the dark, cases of attacks were recorded. Avoid the districts of the city far from the center and do not walk along the streets of Des Moines alone, especially late at night.
Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in the USA. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. You should monitor media reports and be vigilant at all times. Study the political environment before your trip here.
Most often, scammers use card fraud in Des Moines. These can be individual readers in ATM. Use only trusted ATMs at banks. And do not share your data with third parties. Do not respond to suspicious calls and SMS, as well as to email from strangers.
Des Moines is safe enough for women traveling alone. However, walking alone late at night is not recommended. In bars, it is also better not to stay too long. Show maximum vigilance if traveling by car alone.
Visitors to the United States must obtain a visa from one of the United States diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or Visa Waiver Program countries. A valid passport is a must.
The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States. It has a sign: $ and a code: USD. Also, it abbreviated US$. One dollar is divided into 100 cents (Symbol: ¢).
The best times to visit Des Moines for ideal weather are mid-April to mid-June. Average temperatures in Des Moines vary an incredible amount, and the weather feels cold for about half of the year and otherwise excellent with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year.
Des Moines International Airport is a civil-military airport five miles southwest of Des Moines, in Polk County, Iowa. It has 25 connections to major airline hubs and leisure destinations.
The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 33°F | 38°F | 51°F | 64°F | 73°F | 82°F | 86°F | 84°F | 76°F | 64°F | 49°F | 36°F |
| Temp | 24°F | 28°F | 40°F | 52°F | 63°F | 72°F | 76°F | 74°F | 66°F | 53°F | 40°F | 27°F |
| Low | 17°F | 21°F | 32°F | 43°F | 54°F | 63°F | 68°F | 65°F | 56°F | 45°F | 33°F | 21°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 0°C | 3°C | 10°C | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C | 30°C | 28°C | 24°C | 17°C | 9°C | 2°C |
| Temp | -4°C | -2°C | 4°C | 11°C | 17°C | 22°C | 24°C | 23°C | 18°C | 11°C | 4°C | -2°C |
| Low | -8°C | -6°C | 0°C | 6°C | 12°C | 17°C | 20°C | 18°C | 13°C | 7°C | 0°C | -6°C |