Des Moines-West Des Moines vs Salem
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Des Moines-West Des Moines is 35% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $842/mo vs $1,137/mo in Salem — saving $3,540/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Des Moines-West Des Moines | Salem | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $582 | $741 | $159 |
| 1 Bedroom | $705 | $913 | $208 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $842 | $1,137 | $295 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,040 | $1,411 | $371 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,173 | $1,615 | $442 |
| Median Income | $43,390 | $53,953 | $10,563 |
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
Salem
- Studio
- $741/mo
- 1 BR
- $913/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,137/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,411/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,615/mo
- Median Income
- $53,953/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines or Salem cheaper to rent in?
Des Moines-West Des Moines is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $842/mo vs $1,137/mo in Salem. That's $295/mo or $3,540/year more expensive in Salem (35% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Des Moines-West Des Moines vs Salem?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $842/month. In Salem, a 2-bedroom FMR is $1,137/month.
How do incomes compare between Des Moines-West Des Moines and Salem?
The median household income in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $43,390/year. In Salem it is $53,953/year. Salem has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Des Moines-West Des Moines vs Salem?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Des Moines-West Des Moines is $582/mo. In Salem it is $741/mo.