Quick answer
🟡 Yes, but tightly. A nurse in Des Moines earns roughly $72,518/yr (~$4,203/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,150/mo — that's 27% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
IA · 2026
Can a Registered Nurse 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 nurse in Des Moines, IA in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$72,518/yr local estimate
$6,043
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.82% state income tax
-$1,840
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$4,203
1BR rent
27% 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
$2,163
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a nurse in Des Moines could save roughly $10,380/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 27% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 27% of take-home pay, a nurse in Des Moines is near the limit. Livable, but there's little buffer for emergencies or lifestyle upgrades.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $72,518/yr — adjusted from the national Registered Nurse median of $81,220/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 Registered Nurse
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 Registered Nurse in Des Moines?
A Registered Nurse in Des Moines earns approximately $72,518 per year, based on the national BLS median of $81,220/yr adjusted for Des Moines's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Des Moines affordable for a nurse in 2026?
Manageable. Rent takes 27% of take-home, which is right at the limit. A nurse can make it work but should keep other expenses lean.
How much take-home pay does a Registered Nurse get in Des Moines?
After federal taxes, 4.82% state income tax, and FICA, a Registered Nurse earning $72,518/yr takes home roughly $4,203/month in Des Moines.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Registered Nurse in Des Moines?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Des Moines costs a median of $1,150/month. On a Registered Nurse salary, that's 27% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.