Columbus vs Des Moines-West Des Moines
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Des Moines-West Des Moines is 13% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $842/mo vs $951/mo in Columbus — saving $1,308/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbus | Des Moines-West Des Moines | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $608 | $582 | $26 |
| 1 Bedroom | $764 | $705 | $59 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $951 | $842 | $109 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,108 | $1,040 | $68 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,375 | $1,173 | $202 |
| Median Income | $63,239 | $43,390 | $19,849 |
Columbus
- Studio
- $608/mo
- 1 BR
- $764/mo
- 2 BR
- $951/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,108/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,375/mo
- Median Income
- $63,239/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?
Des Moines-West Des Moines is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $842/mo vs $951/mo in Columbus. That's $109/mo or $1,308/year more expensive in Columbus (13% 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 $951/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 $63,239/year. In Des Moines-West Des Moines it is $43,390/year. Columbus 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 $608/mo. In Des Moines-West Des Moines it is $582/mo.