Can A Dental Hygienist Afford Rent in West Des Moines, IA?
Comfortably affordable — rent takes 20.4% of gross income.
West Des Moines rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Iowa state estimate).
About rent and a dental hygienist salary
Dental hygienist pay covers comfortable rent in most US metros. At the national-average dental-hygienist salary, the 30% rule supports about $2,188 a month in rent, which is above the median in most cities.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Iowa cities have lower median rent than West Des Moines, which improves the affordability math on a dental hygienist 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 hygienist afford rent in West Des Moines, IA?
Median rent in West Des Moines is $1,369 a month. A typical dental hygienist in Iowa earns about $80,509 a year, which makes that rent 20.4% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is yes.
How much rent can a dental hygienist afford in West Des Moines?
Using the 30% rule, a dental hygienist salary in Iowa (~$80,509/yr) supports up to $2,013 a month in rent. West Des Moines's current median rent is $1,369/mo, which leaves a $644/mo buffer.
How many hours does a dental hygienist work to cover rent in West Des Moines?
At an hourly equivalent of about $39 an hour, a dental hygienist in Iowa works roughly 35.4 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 hygienist?
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 hygienist salary.