Biggest seasonal rent swings in Iowa

How far typical asking rents move between the cheapest and priciest month in Iowa cities, from at least five years of Zillow data. Cities with 15,000+ residents.

Key findings

Ankeny ranks first, with a swing of 3.0% between January and July.
Across all 12 cities on this list, the median rent is $1,287/mo.

Data as of September 2026. Gap between the cheapest and priciest calendar month, from Zillow's unadjusted and seasonally adjusted rent indexes over five or more years. Updated monthly. Download this list (CSV)

Best value (RRS)Overheated (RRS)Most affordable Most expensive Rent falling Rent rising Best rent/income Most rent-burdened Record-high rent Seasonal swings Rent vs. income

12 cities

Rank	City	Yearly swing	Cheapest month	Priciest month	Median rent
01	AnkenyIA Pop. 73KCompare →	3.0%	January	July	$1,464/mo
02	Iowa CityIA Pop. 76KCompare →	2.7%	September	January	$1,713/mo
03	Des MoinesIA Pop. 212KCompare →	2.6%	January	July	$1,129/mo
04	West Des MoinesIA Pop. 71KCompare →	2.4%	December	July	$1,353/mo
05	AmesIA Pop. 68KCompare →	2.4%	September	December	$1,240/mo
06	Cedar FallsIA Pop. 41KCompare →	2.3%	August	November	$1,405/mo
07	MarionIA Pop. 42KCompare →	2.1%	February	August	$1,287/mo
08	WaterlooIA Pop. 67KCompare →	1.2%	December	July	$909/mo
09	WaukeeIA Pop. 29KCompare →	1.1%	January	September	$1,640/mo
10	Cedar RapidsIA Pop. 137KCompare →	1.1%	November	August	$1,274/mo
11	DavenportIA Pop. 101KCompare →	1.0%	January	May	$965/mo
12	CoralvilleIA Pop. 23KCompare →	0.8%	June	March	$1,282/mo