Des Moines, Iowa
In Des Moines, Iowa, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.31 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.14 below the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $978.79, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.44% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Des Moines's cost-of-living index of 84 puts it below the national average of 100.
Key Numbers
Gas (Regular)
$3.31
National: $3.45
Avg Rent (All)
$978.79
National: $1,900
Grocery Inflation
2.44%
Year-over-year
Fast Food Avg
$10.29
Combo meal
Grocery Prices
Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present
| Item | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility | $1.74 | $2.07 | $2.68 | $3.97 | $2.21 | +27.0% |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.31 | $3.58 | $3.58 | $3.76 | $3.80 | +14.8% |
| Ground Beef (lb) | $3.66 | $4.54 | $4.67 | $4.95 | $5.05 | +38.0% |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.00 | $2.73 | $2.92 | $3.10 | $3.19 | +59.5% |
| Chicken Breast (lb) | $3.60 | $3.85 | $3.97 | $4.05 | $4.13 | +14.7% |
| Butter (lb) | $4.05 | $4.49 | $4.62 | $4.76 | $4.85 | +19.8% |
| Bacon (lb) | $6.21 | $6.77 | $7.10 | $7.46 | $7.61 | +22.5% |
| Cheddar Cheese (lb) | $5.27 | $5.74 | $6.03 | $6.15 | $6.34 | +20.3% |
| Pasta (lb) | $1.39 | $1.68 | $1.75 | $1.82 | $1.84 | +32.4% |
| Rice (5 lb) | $4.05 | $4.66 | $4.94 | $4.94 | $5.14 | +26.9% |
| Coffee (12 oz) | $7.96 | $9.65 | $10.42 | $10.83 | $10.93 | +37.3% |
| Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage | $3.66 | $4.28 | $4.66 | $4.94 | $5.14 | +40.4% |
| Potatoes (5 lb) | $3.86 | $4.09 | $4.21 | $4.38 | $4.51 | +16.8% |
| Apples (3 lb) | $4.21 | $4.46 | $4.59 | $4.77 | $4.77 | +13.3% |
| Tomatoes (lb) | $2.02 | $2.29 | $2.40 | $2.55 | $2.63 | +30.2% |
| Lettuce (head) | $1.72 | $1.85 | $2.00 | $2.12 | $2.18 | +26.7% |
| Cooking Oil (48 oz) | $5.35 | $6.69 | $7.08 | $7.29 | $7.36 | +37.6% |
| Yogurt (32 oz) | $3.77 | $4.03 | $4.27 | $4.40 | $4.53 | +20.2% |
| Cereal (family size) | $4.54 | $5.17 | $5.59 | $5.76 | $5.82 | +28.2% |
| Frozen Pizza | $5.75 | $6.90 | $7.38 | $7.90 | $8.06 | +40.2% |
Dining & Restaurants
Fast Food Meal
$10.29
Casual Dining
$19.71
Monthly Spend
$309.33
+3.27% YoYChain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today
Combo meal / typical order for one
McDonald's
2022: $6.38
$10.29
+61.3%Wendy's
2022: $7.20
$11.11
+54.3%Chipotle
2022: $7.72
$11.52
+49.2%Starbucks
2022: $3.66
$5.09
+39.1%Eating out more? Save on groceries with Ibotta and cook at home more often.
Looking for an Apartment in Des Moines?
Average 1BR: $914.76/mo · 2BR: $1,141.53/mo
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