Living Alone in Des Moines, IA: What It Really Costs
A complete monthly budget breakdown for a single person living independently in Des Moines. Based on 2026 federal data adjusted for local cost of living.
A
$996/month
Des Moines is 11% below the national average — a solid choice for solo living.
$17,074
Minimum Salary Needed
$20,489
Comfortable Salary
$312
Essential Costs
$684
Discretionary
What Does Solo Living in Des Moines Look Like?
Des Moines is a mid-size city in the Midwest with a population of 214,133 and a median household income of $52,020. For someone living alone, the biggest expense is housing — a studio or 1-bedroom apartment will run you about $73/month, which accounts for 7% of your total monthly spend. With costs running 11% below average, you can stretch a modest salary further here than in most major metros.
Complete Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | % of Budget | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $73 | 7% | Essential |
| 🛒 Groceries (one person) | $15 | 2% | Essential |
| ⚡ Utilities | $11 | 1% | Essential |
| 🚗 Transportation | $23 | 2% | Essential |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $138 | 14% | Essential |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $52 | 5% | Essential |
| 📡 Internet | $58 | 6% | Discretionary |
| 📱 Phone Plan | $68 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 🍽️ Dining Out | $223 | 22% | Discretionary |
| 🎬 Entertainment | $134 | 13% | Discretionary |
| 💇 Personal Care | $71 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 👕 Clothing | $85 | 9% | Discretionary |
| 📺 Subscriptions & Gym | $45 | 5% | Discretionary |
| Total Monthly Budget | $996 | 100% |
Can You Afford to Live Alone in Des Moines?
Here's how different salary levels stack up against the solo living costs in Des Moines:
$40,000
gross annual
+$1,471
monthly surplus
Save 60%
$50,000
gross annual
+$2,087
monthly surplus
Save 68%
$60,000
gross annual
+$2,704
monthly surplus
Save 73%
$75,000
gross annual
+$3,629
monthly surplus
Save 78%
$100,000
gross annual
+$5,171
monthly surplus
Save 84%
$125,000
gross annual
+$6,712
monthly surplus
Save 87%
Tips for Living Alone in Des Moines
- 💡 Housing: Des Moines's rent is manageable for solo earners. Focus on securing a lease with utilities included to stabilize your monthly costs.
- 🍳 Food: Cooking at home saves roughly $134/month vs eating out regularly. Meal prep on Sundays is the single biggest budget lever for solo dwellers.
- 🚌 Transport: In a mid-size city like Des Moines, a car is likely essential. Budget for maintenance separately — about $89/month.
- 🏥 Insurance: If your employer offers health coverage, your actual out-of-pocket drops significantly. The $52/month estimate assumes marketplace insurance.
- 💰 The 50/30/20 Rule: On a $20,489 salary, aim for $632 needs, $379 wants, $253 savings per month.
More Affordable Alternatives in the Midwest
Explore More for Des Moines
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live alone in Des Moines?
The estimated total monthly cost of living alone in Des Moines is $996, including $73 for a studio/1-bedroom apartment,$15 for groceries, and $11 for utilities. This is 11% below the national average for solo living.
What salary do I need to live alone in Des Moines?
You need a minimum gross salary of approximately $17,074 to cover basic living expenses alone in Des Moines. For a comfortable lifestyle with a savings buffer, aim for at least $20,489.
Is Des Moines affordable for a single person?
Yes, Des Moines is more affordable than average for solo dwellers, with costs running 11% below the national median. This makes it a viable option even on a moderate income.
What is the biggest expense when living alone in Des Moines?
Housing is by far the largest expense, accounting for 7% of the total monthly budget at $73/month for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. The next largest expenses are transportation ($23) and groceries ($15).