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    Average Rent in Des Moines, IA (2026)

    The average 1-bedroom rent in Des Moines, IA is $1,093/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 25 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +4.3% year over year. Rents range from $960 to $1,260.

    Average Rent · 1-Bedroom

    $1,093/mo

    Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 25 zip codes

    Year-over-Year

    ↑ +4.3%

    Source: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent

    Data through

    The average 1-bedroom rent in Des Moines, IA is $1,093/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 25 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 4.3% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Des Moines is 9% below the national average of $1,196/month.

    Average rent in Des Moines, IA ranges from $960 to $1,260 across 25 ZIP codes.

    Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Des Moines, IA is approximately 4.3% for 2026. An increase above 4.3% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.

    Key Facts

    Average 1-BR rent: $1,093/mo
    Year-over-year change: +4.3%
    Coverage: 25 ZIP codes
    Data source: HUD Small Area FMR FY2026
    vs. national avg: 9% below ($1,196/mo)

    Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.

    How much is rent in Des Moines, IA?

    The average 1-bedroom rent in Des Moines, IA is $1,093/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 25 ZIP codes. Rents range from $960 to $1,260 depending on neighborhood — a $300/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $43,720/year.

    Is rent going up in Des Moines?

    Rents in Des Moines have increased 4.3% year over year based on local market data. This suggests a relatively stable rental market.

    What is a fair rent increase in Des Moines?

    Based on local market data, a rent increase around 4.3% is in line with the Des Moines market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.

    Rent Trends in Des Moines

    +4.3%

    Rents in Des Moines are rising at +4.3% year-over-year.

    − Estimated trend

    Market sources range from +3.1% to +9.0%

    Why the range? Zillow ZORI tracks what landlords are asking for units (+4.6%), while Apartment List tracks what renters actually sign leases at (+3.1%).Landlords are asking more than renters are paying — this suggests renters may have negotiating leverage in Des Moines right now.

    Sources: Apartment List, Zillow ZORI, HUD Fair Market Rent

    What Should Rent Cost in Des Moines?

    Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.

    Studio$1,051 – $1,144

    A studio in Des Moines typically rents for $1,051 – $1,144.

    Rents above $1,316 are in the top 25% for this area.

    1-Bedroom$1,093 – $1,193

    A 1-bedroom in Des Moines typically rents for $1,093 – $1,193.

    Rents above $1,372 are in the top 25% for this area.

    2-Bedroom$1,302 – $1,418

    A 2-bedroom in Des Moines typically rents for $1,302 – $1,418.

    Rents above $1,631 are in the top 25% for this area.

    3-Bedroom$1,772 – $1,930

    A 3-bedroom in Des Moines typically rents for $1,772 – $1,930.

    Rents above $2,220 are in the top 25% for this area.

    4-Bedroom$1,820 – $1,981

    A 4-bedroom in Des Moines typically rents for $1,820 – $1,981.

    Rents above $2,278 are in the top 25% for this area.

    Federal Rent Benchmarks for Des Moines

    HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.

    Studio

    $1,051

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    1-Bedroom

    $1,093

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    2-Bedroom

    $1,302

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    3-Bedroom

    $1,772

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    4-Bedroom

    $1,820

    HUD Fair Market Rent

    Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated

    Zip Codes in Des Moines

    Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.

    Zip Code1-BR SAFMR
    50324$1,260
    50023$1,210
    50327$1,170
    50309$1,150
    50321$1,120
    50313$1,090
    50319$1,090
    50310$1,080
    50320$1,060
    50312$1,050
    50315$1,030
    50316$980
    50314$960
    50301$1,090
    50302$1,090
    50303$1,090
    50304$1,090
    50305$1,090
    50318$1,090
    50363$1,090

    Showing top 20 of 25 zip codes.

    SAFMR rates are zip-specific.

    How Does Des Moines Compare?

    Ackworth, IA
    $1,380/mo+26%
    Adel, IA
    $950/mo-13%
    Alleman, IA
    $1,070/mo-2%
    Altoona, IA
    $1,190/mo+9%
    Ankeny, IA
    $1,410/mo+29%

    Questions about rent in Des Moines

    What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Des Moines, IA?

    The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Des Moines, IA is $1,093/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 25 ZIP codes in the city. This is 9% below the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $960 to $1,260 depending on ZIP code.

    What is a fair rent increase in Des Moines?

    A rent increase up to about 4.3% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Des Moines. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $1,093/month.

    Are rents going up or down in Des Moines?

    Rents in Des Moines have increased 4.3% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 25 ZIP codes in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area area.

    How much do rents vary across Des Moines?

    1-bedroom rents across Des Moines range from $960 to $1,260 on this page, a $300/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.

    Can my landlord raise my rent in Des Moines?

    We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Des Moines. Landlords must still follow applicable state and local notice rules before raising rent at lease renewal. Requirements vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute for specifics on notice periods and timing.

    How much should I spend on rent in Des Moines?

    The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Des Moines at $1,093/month, a household would need approximately $43,720/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.

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    Renter Tools

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    Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →