Des Moines vs Cedar Rapids for Singles (2026)
Scroll down for rent burden, savings estimate, and FAQ.
Single-person cost breakdown
| Metric | Des Moines Iowa | Cedar Rapids Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $950 | $900Better |
| 1BR rent / month | $1,200 | $1,100Better |
| Est. single-person income | $37KBetter | $35K |
| Est. monthly take-home | $2,923Better | $2,735 |
| Studio rent burden | 33%Better | 33% |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 96 | 94Better |
| State income tax | 5.7%Better | 5.7% |
| Walk score | 36 / 100Better | 30 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 87 | 85Better |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Monthly savings
Des Moines: ~$1,425/mo left after rent & living
Start investing that surplus early — even small amounts compound significantly over a career.
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Mortgages
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Frequently asked questions
Which city is more affordable for a single person — Des Moines or Cedar Rapids?
For a single person, Cedar Rapids comes out ahead on overall affordability. Studio rents are $950 in Des Moines vs $900 in Cedar Rapids. A single earner in Des Moines spends about 33% of take-home on studio rent. Cedar Rapids is ~2% cheaper overall, which matters significantly on a single income.
What is the rent burden for a single person in Des Moines vs Cedar Rapids?
Rent burden is the percentage of take-home pay spent on housing. Financial planners recommend keeping housing under 30% of gross income. In Des Moines, a single earner spending $950/month on a studio carries a 33% rent burden — slightly above the recommended 30%. In Cedar Rapids, the rent burden is 33% — slightly above the recommended 30%.
How much can a single person save each month in Des Moines vs Cedar Rapids?
After rent and basic living expenses (groceries, utilities, transport), a single earner can save approximately $1,425/month in Des Moines vs $1,295/month in Cedar Rapids. These estimates are based on a single-person income of ~60% of median household income and studio rent costs.
Is it worth living alone in Des Moines vs getting a roommate in Cedar Rapids?
Splitting a 1BR in Cedar Rapids ($1,100/person) vs a solo studio in Des Moines ($950): splitting a 1BR in Cedar Rapids ($550/person) is cheaper than a solo studio in Des Moines ($950). Factor in the privacy premium and your living preferences when deciding.
Which city is better for a single person's social life?
Walkability is a proxy for urban density and access to dining, entertainment, and social spaces without a car. Des Moines scores higher (36/100) — car-dependent, which may limit spontaneous social activity. For singles, a walkable neighborhood can significantly reduce the cost and friction of having an active social life.
Single-person income estimated at 60% of median household income. Take-home calculated using state income tax rate only. Savings estimate subtracts rent and estimated basic living costs. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026