Quick answer
⚠️ Possible, but a stretch. A firefighter in Des Moines earns roughly $50,286/yr (~$2,914/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,150/mo — that's 39% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
IA · 2026
Can a Firefighter Afford to Live in Des Moines?
Using local salary estimates and Des Moines's actual cost of living — rent, taxes, utilities, and groceries — here's the real monthly picture for a firefighter in Des Moines, IA in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$50,286/yr local estimate
$4,191
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.82% state income tax
-$1,277
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$2,914
1BR rent
39% of take-home
-$1,150
Utilities
Electric, gas, internet avg
-$170
Groceries
Single-person estimate
-$370
Transport
Car or transit average
-$350
Left for everything else
Dining, clothing, fun, savings
$874
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a firefighter in Des Moines could save roughly $4,200/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 39% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 39% of take-home pay, a firefighter in Des Moines is above the recommended threshold. Not impossible, but you'll need to keep non-rent expenses lean.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $50,286/yr — adjusted from the national Firefighter median of $56,320/yr based on Des Moines's cost of living index. Actual salaries vary by employer, experience, and specialization.
Best Neighborhoods in Des Moines for a Firefighter
Based on walkability, rent levels, and quality of life — not just lowest price.
East Village
Hip, walkable urban core with lofts, breweries, galleries, and young professional scene.
Sherman Hill
Historic residential area with mansions and tree-lined streets; established families.
Beaverdale
Family-friendly suburban neighborhood with good schools and parks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Firefighter in Des Moines?
A Firefighter in Des Moines earns approximately $50,286 per year, based on the national BLS median of $56,320/yr adjusted for Des Moines's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Des Moines affordable for a firefighter in 2026?
It's a stretch. Rent takes 39% of take-home pay — above the recommended 30%. Sharing a 2BR or targeting higher-paying employers makes more sense.
How much take-home pay does a Firefighter get in Des Moines?
After federal taxes, 4.82% state income tax, and FICA, a Firefighter earning $50,286/yr takes home roughly $2,914/month in Des Moines.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Firefighter in Des Moines?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Des Moines costs a median of $1,150/month. On a Firefighter salary, that's 39% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.