Quick answer
🔴 Not comfortably on a single income. A medical assistant in Des Moines earns roughly $34,170/yr (~$2,151/mo take-home) and a 1BR costs $1,150/mo — that's 53% of take-home on rent. The standard is 30% or less.
IA · 2026
Can a Medical Assistant 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 medical assistant in Des Moines, IA in 2026.
Monthly Budget Breakdown
Gross monthly salary
$34,170/yr local estimate
$2,848
Taxes (federal + state + FICA)
4.82% state income tax
-$697
Monthly take-home
After all taxes
$2,151
1BR rent
53% 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
$111
At a 40% savings rate on discretionary income, a medical assistant in Des Moines could save roughly $528/year after covering all essentials.
What Does 53% Rent Burden Mean?
The standard rule of thumb is to spend no more than 30% of gross income on rent. At 53% of take-home pay, a medical assistant 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 $34,170/yr — adjusted from the national Medical Assistant median of $38,270/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 Medical Assistant
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 Medical Assistant in Des Moines?
A Medical Assistant in Des Moines earns approximately $34,170 per year, based on the national BLS median of $38,270/yr adjusted for Des Moines's cost of living. Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and specialization.
Is Des Moines affordable for a medical assistant in 2026?
Not comfortably as a solo renter. Rent takes 53% of take-home pay. A roommate arrangement would make Des Moines more feasible on a medical assistant salary.
How much take-home pay does a Medical Assistant get in Des Moines?
After federal taxes, 4.82% state income tax, and FICA, a Medical Assistant earning $34,170/yr takes home roughly $2,151/month in Des Moines.
What is the rent-to-income ratio for a Medical Assistant in Des Moines?
A 1-bedroom apartment in Des Moines costs a median of $1,150/month. On a Medical Assistant salary, that's 53% of monthly take-home pay. Financial experts recommend keeping this below 30%.