Can A Dental Assistant Afford Rent in West Des Moines, IA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 36.8% of gross income.
West Des Moines rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Iowa state estimate).
About rent and a dental assistant salary
Dental assistant pay sits near the US median household income. At the national-average dental-assistant salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,214 a month in rent, which is achievable in most lower- and mid-cost metros.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Iowa cities have lower median rent than West Des Moines, which improves the affordability math on a dental assistant salary:
Compare with full rent data for West Des Moines
View full rent data for West Des Moines, IA →Frequently asked questions
Can a dental assistant afford rent in West Des Moines, IA?
Median rent in West Des Moines is $1,369 a month. A typical dental assistant in Iowa earns about $44,675 a year, which makes that rent 36.8% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a dental assistant afford in West Des Moines?
Using the 30% rule, a dental assistant salary in Iowa (~$44,675/yr) supports up to $1,117 a month in rent. West Des Moines's current median rent is $1,369/mo, which is $252/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a dental assistant work to cover rent in West Des Moines?
At an hourly equivalent of about $21 an hour, a dental assistant in Iowa works roughly 63.7 hours a month to cover West Des Moines's median rent of $1,369.
Where is rent cheaper than West Des Moines for a dental assistant?
Nearby Iowa cities with lower median rent include North Liberty ($1,367/mo), Cedar Falls ($1,365/mo), Cedar Falls ($1,355/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a dental assistant salary.