Quick answer
🔴 Not comfortably on a single income. A real estate agent in Des Moines earns roughly $50,009/yr (~$2,898/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,150/mo — that's 40% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
IA · 2026
Can a Real Estate Agent 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 real estate agent in Des Moines, IA in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$50,009/yr local estimate
$4,167
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.82% state income tax
-$1,269
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$2,898
1BR rent
40% 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
$858
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a real estate agent in Des Moines could save roughly $4,116/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 40% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 40% of take-home pay, a real estate agent in Des Moines is in difficult territory. Most financial advisors recommend finding a roommate, considering a cheaper area, or targeting salary growth before renting solo here.
These numbers use a local salary estimate of $50,009/yr — adjusted from the national Real Estate Agent median of $56,010/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 Real Estate Agent
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 Real Estate Agent in Des Moines?
A Real Estate Agent in Des Moines earns approximately $50,009 per year, based on the national BLS median of $56,010/yr adjusted for Des Moines's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Des Moines affordable for a real estate agent in 2026?
Not comfortably as a solo renter. Rent takes 40% of take-home pay. A roommate arrangement would make Des Moines more feasible on a real estate agent salary.
How much take-home pay does a Real Estate Agent get in Des Moines?
After federal taxes, 4.82% state income tax, and FICA, a Real Estate Agent earning $50,009/yr takes home roughly $2,898/month in Des Moines.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Real Estate Agent in Des Moines?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Des Moines costs a median of $1,150/month. On a Real Estate Agent salary, that's 40% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.