Housing
Whether you’re looking for a Downtown loft, classic suburban home, family-friendly house near great schools or an amazing acreage, we have it here in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Our abundance of housing options fit a wide array of lifestyles. Did you know that DSM is the #7 Most Affordable Housing Market (GoodHire, 2022) and a Top 10 Place Where It's Easiest to Save for Your First Home (Money, 2022)?
Whether buying or renting, both new and old neighborhoods offer residents the chance to discover their perfect fit. The diverse communities of the region are ready to welcome you home.
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Relative Cost of Housing
Compare DSM’s housing costs to other cities using the Cost of Living Index Calculator. Learn more about affordable living in Downtown DSM.
(Based on data gathered between Q12022 and Q32022)
| URBAN AREA |
HOUSING INDEX (U.S. 100.0) |
| NEW YORK (MANHATTAN), NY |
484.5 |
| SAN FRANCISCO, CA |
307.4 |
| WASHINGTON, DC |
252.1 |
| LOS ANGELES/LONG BEACH, CA |
240.4 |
| BOSTON, MA |
224.3 |
| SAN DIEGO, CA |
222.8 |
| PORTLAND, OR |
161.8 |
| CHICAGO, IL |
151.7 |
| DENVER, CO |
135.9 |
| PHOENIX, AZ |
124.0 |
| ATLANTA, GA |
107.6 |
| DETROIT, MI |
107.9 |
| KANSAS CITY, MO-KS |
102.6 |
| PHILADELPHIA, PA |
100.0 |
| MINNEAPOLIS, MN |
91.6 |
| DES MOINES, IA |
67.8 |
RENT
The region has a variety of affordable apartments and houses for rent. Choose a spacious townhome or a stylish Downtown loft great for young professionals and empty nesters alike. Invite friends over for a glass of wine on the balcony, or grill dinner on the lawn. Whatever home means to you, we have the options for you to rent.
The following chart lists asking rents by unit type and submarket within the DSM metro area.
| Market |
Studio |
1-Bed |
2-Bed |
3-Bed |
| Rent per Unit |
| South |
$607 |
$763 |
$859 |
$1,065 |
| Central Business District |
$901 |
$1,144 |
$1,530 |
$1,597 |
| Western Suburbs |
$886 |
$984 |
$1,122 |
$1,369 |
| Ankeny |
$860 |
$985 |
$1,162 |
$1,022 |
| Altoona |
$626 |
$915 |
$1,188 |
$1,294 |
| Greater Des Moines |
$835 |
$938 |
$1,071 |
$1,269 |
Source: Des Moines Metropolitan Area Marketview Multifamily, Q2 2022, CBRE/Hubbell Commercial