West Des Moines, IA Rental Market Trends
Last updated: April 08, 2026 | Source: RentCafe Market Analysis, Yardi Matrix, U.S. Census Bureau
Highlights
The average rent for an apartment in West Des Moines is $1,263, a 1.55% increase compared to the previous year, when the average rent was $1,244.
Studio Apartments at $834 offer the most budget-friendly option with 491 square feet, ideal for single renters prioritizing location over space.
One-bedroom apartments provide 732 square feet for $1,124, balancing privacy and affordability.
Two-beedroom units at $1,278 offer 1,015 square feet, perfect for roommates or small families.
Three-bedroom apartments deliver maximum space (1,410 sq ft) for $1,658, suitable for larger households.
Average rent in West Des Moines, IA
Last updated: April 08, 2026
| Average Rent | Average Apartment Size | |
|---|---|---|
| All Rentals | $1,263 | 959 sq. ft. |
| Studio | $834 | 491 sq. ft. |
| 1 Bed | $1,124 | 732 sq. ft. |
| 2 Beds | $1,278 | 1,015 sq. ft. |
| 3 Beds | $1,658 | 1,410 sq. ft. |
West Des Moines, IA rent trends
Rental prices in West Des Moines, IA have increased by 1.55% over the past year. The average rent moved from $1,244 to $1,263.
What's the typical rent budget in West Des Moines, IA?
The largest share of rentals in West Des Moines, IA (64%) fall between $1,001-$1,500 per month. This suggests that most people succesfully find suitable apartments within this price.
Do most people rent or own in West Des Moines, IA?
13,742 or 43% of the households in West Des Moines, IA are renter-occupied while 18,491 or 57% are owner-occupied.
How West Des Moines Compares to Other Cities
| City | Average Rent |
|---|---|
| West Des Moines | $1,263 |
| Cedar Rapids | $1,089 |
| Des Moines | $1,092 |
| Davenport | $999 |
| Waukee | $1,397 |
| Ankeny | $1,354 |
| Council Bluffs | $1,231 |
| Iowa City | $1,497 |
| Ames | $1,374 |
| Bettendorf | $1,329 |
| Marion | $841 |
| Urbandale, IA | $1,022 |
| Johnston, IA | $1,374 |
| Grimes, IA | $1,327 |
| Norwalk | $1,187 |
| Altoona, IA | $1,252 |
| Indianola, IA | $970 |
| Windsor Heights, IA | $1,386 |
| Pleasant Hill, IA | $1,000 |
Where this data comes from
The rental statistics on this page were compiled by RentCafe.com, a nationwide apartment search website trusted by millions of renters to find apartments and houses for rent throughout the U.S.
Rent prices, trends, and apartment sizes were calculated based on data from our sister company, Yardi Matrix, an apartment market intelligence solution that covers approximately 90% of the U.S. metro area population. The data includes comprehensive information on all West Des Moines apartment buildings with 50 or more units, totaling 23.5 million apartments across 181 U.S. markets.
Housing composition data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, using the most recently available information by tenure.