Columbia vs Des Moines-West Des Moines
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Des Moines-West Des Moines is 10% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $842/mo vs $927/mo in Columbia — saving $1,020/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbia | Des Moines-West Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $644 | $582 | $62 |
| 1 Bedroom | $771 | $705 | $66 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $927 | $842 | $85 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,178 | $1,040 | $138 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,341 | $1,173 | $168 |
| Median Income | $53,072 | $43,390 | $9,682 |
Columbia
- Studio
- $644/mo
- 1 BR
- $771/mo
- 2 BR
- $927/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,178/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,341/mo
- Median Income
- $53,072/yr
Des Moines-West Des Moines
- Studio
- $582/mo
- 1 BR
- $705/mo
- 2 BR
- $842/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,040/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,173/mo
- Median Income
- $43,390/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbia or Des Moines-West Des Moines cheaper to rent in?
Des Moines-West Des Moines is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $842/mo vs $927/mo in Columbia. That's $85/mo or $1,020/year more expensive in Columbia (10% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbia vs Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbia is $927/month. In Des Moines-West Des Moines, a 2-bedroom FMR is $842/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbia and Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The median household income in Columbia is $53,072/year. In Des Moines-West Des Moines it is $43,390/year. Columbia has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbia vs Des Moines-West Des Moines?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbia is $644/mo. In Des Moines-West Des Moines it is $582/mo.