Columbus vs Des Moines-West Des Moines
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Columbus is 15% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $733/mo vs $842/mo in Des Moines-West Des Moines — saving $1,308/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbus | Des Moines-West Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $493 | $582 | $89 |
| 1 Bedroom | $600 | $705 | $105 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $733 | $842 | $109 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $932 | $1,040 | $108 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,032 | $1,173 | $141 |
| Median Income | $37,268 | $43,390 | $6,122 |
Columbus
- Studio
- $493/mo
- 1 BR
- $600/mo
- 2 BR
- $733/mo
- 3 BR
- $932/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,032/mo
- Median Income
- $37,268/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 Columbus or Des Moines-West Des Moines cheaper to rent in?
Columbus is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $733/mo vs $842/mo in Des Moines-West Des Moines. That's $109/mo or $1,308/year more expensive in Des Moines-West Des Moines (15% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbus vs Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbus is $733/month. In Des Moines-West Des Moines, a 2-bedroom FMR is $842/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbus and Des Moines-West Des Moines?
The median household income in Columbus is $37,268/year. In Des Moines-West Des Moines it is $43,390/year. Des Moines-West Des Moines has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbus vs Des Moines-West Des Moines?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbus is $493/mo. In Des Moines-West Des Moines it is $582/mo.