Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A pharmacist in Des Moines earns roughly $118,527/yr (~$6,475/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,150/mo — that's 18% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
IA · 2026
Can a Pharmacist 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 pharmacist in Des Moines, IA in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$118,527/yr local estimate
$9,877
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.82% state income tax
-$3,402
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$6,475
1BR rent
18% 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
$4,435
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a pharmacist in Des Moines could save roughly $21,288/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 18% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 18% of take-home pay, a pharmacist in Des Moines is well within a healthy range — leaving solid room for savings and discretionary spending.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $118,527/yr — adjusted from the national Pharmacist median of $132,750/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 Pharmacist
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 Pharmacist in Des Moines?
A Pharmacist in Des Moines earns approximately $118,527 per year, based on the national BLS median of $132,750/yr adjusted for Des Moines's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Des Moines affordable for a pharmacist in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 18% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A pharmacist can live comfortably in Des Moines with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Pharmacist get in Des Moines?
After federal taxes, 4.82% state income tax, and FICA, a Pharmacist earning $118,527/yr takes home roughly $6,475/month in Des Moines.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Pharmacist in Des Moines?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Des Moines costs a median of $1,150/month. On a Pharmacist salary, that's 18% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.