Quick answer
✅ Yes — comfortably. A software engineer in Des Moines earns roughly $116,214/yr (~$6,348/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 Software Engineer 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 software engineer in Des Moines, IA in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$116,214/yr local estimate
$9,685
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.82% state income tax
-$3,337
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$6,348
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
$4,308
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a software engineer in Des Moines could save roughly $20,676/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 software engineer 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 $116,214/yr — adjusted from the national Software Engineer median of $130,160/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 Software Engineer
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 Software Engineer in Des Moines?
A Software Engineer in Des Moines earns approximately $116,214 per year, based on the national BLS median of $130,160/yr adjusted for Des Moines's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Des Moines affordable for a software engineer in 2026?
Yes. Rent takes around 18% of take-home pay — below the 30% guideline. A software engineer can live comfortably in Des Moines with room to save.
How much take-home pay does a Software Engineer get in Des Moines?
After federal taxes, 4.82% state income tax, and FICA, a Software Engineer earning $116,214/yr takes home roughly $6,348/month in Des Moines.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Software Engineer in Des Moines?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Des Moines costs a median of $1,150/month. On a Software Engineer salary, that's 18% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.