Assisted Living Cost in Des Moines
The average cost of assisted living in Des Moines is $4,200/month in 2026. This guide covers room-type pricing, how Des Moines compares to the national average, Medicaid coverage through Iowa Medicaid HCBS Elderly Waiver, and the most affordable alternatives in the area.
Des Moines Assisted Living Costs at a Glance
Average (all types)
$4,200
per month
Memory Care
$5,700
per month
Skilled Nursing
$7,800
per month
Cost by Room Type in Des Moines (2026)
| Room Type | Monthly Cost | Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / Shared | $3,400 | $113 |
| 1-Bedroom | $4,400 | $147 |
| 2-Bedroom / Deluxe | $5,600 | $187 |
| Memory Care | $5,700 | $190 |
| Skilled Nursing (semi-priv.) | $7,800 | $260 |
* Costs are 2026 market averages. Actual fees vary by facility, level of care, and unit size.
How Des Moines Compares
Des Moines
$4,200/mo
Iowa Avg
$3,900/mo
8% above avgNational Avg
$4,500/mo
7% below avgWhy Does Assisted Living Cost $4,200/Month in Des Moines?
- Des Moines has a highly competitive AL market — strong supply moderates price increases
- West Des Moines, Ankeny, and Waukee facilities run 10–15% above Des Moines proper
- Iowa has no income tax on Social Security benefits — helps fund AL costs
- Iowa's Elderly Waiver Medicaid covers personal care in licensed AL — an important supplement
Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living in Des Moines
Iowa Medicaid HCBS Elderly Waiver covers assisted living
Iowa's Medicaid Elderly Waiver covers personal care in licensed assisted living facilities for eligible seniors. Iowa Medicaid does NOT cover room and board. Income limit: $2,829/month; asset limit: $2,000. Iowa uses managed care plans (AMERIGROUP Iowa, Molina Healthcare) for Medicaid coordination. Call Iowa Medicaid at 800-338-8366.
Iowa Medicaid Guide →How to Afford Assisted Living in Des Moines
- Ames (30 miles north) and Ankeny offer good options often 5–10% below Des Moines proper
- Iowa's Medicaid Elderly Waiver covers personal care — apply through Iowa Medicaid
- Iowa Senior Living Network (800-532-3213) provides free facility guidance
- VA Aid & Attendance available through Des Moines VA Medical Center (515-699-5999)
- Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (515-242-5331) provides free benefit counseling
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More Affordable Alternatives Near Des Moines
If Des Moines costs are too high, these nearby cities offer lower averages and similar access to family, healthcare, and amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions — Assisted Living in Des Moines
How much does assisted living cost in Des Moines?▾
Des Moines assisted living averages $4,200/month in 2026, ranging from $2,800 to $6,500+. West Des Moines, Waukee, and Ankeny communities run 10–15% above Des Moines proper. Iowa has a competitive AL market with strong supply keeping costs relatively stable.
Does Iowa Medicaid pay for assisted living?▾
Iowa's Medicaid Elderly Waiver covers personal care in licensed AL facilities but NOT room and board. Managed care plans (AMERIGROUP Iowa, Molina) coordinate the Medicaid services. Income limit: $2,829/month; asset limit: $2,000. Call Iowa Medicaid at 800-338-8366 to apply through your county DHHS office.
What memory care is available in Des Moines?▾
Memory care in Des Moines averages $5,700/month. Iowa Methodist Medical Center and MercyOne Des Moines provide memory care specialty services. The Alzheimer's Association Iowa Chapter (800-272-3900) maintains a list of dementia-care certified facilities in the Des Moines metro.
Does Iowa tax Social Security income?▾
Iowa does not tax Social Security benefits (for those with income below $100,000). Iowa also recently expanded Social Security exemptions. This is a meaningful financial advantage for retirees funding AL costs in Des Moines.
What veterans benefits are available in Des Moines?▾
The Des Moines VA Medical Center (515-699-5999) provides full VA services. Iowa has state veterans homes in Marshalltown and Iowa City. VA Aid & Attendance provides up to $2,830/month for qualifying veterans. The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (515-242-5331) provides free counseling.
How does Des Moines compare to other Midwest cities for senior living costs?▾
Des Moines ($4,200/mo) is comparable to Minneapolis ($4,200) and slightly above Kansas City ($3,600) and Omaha ($4,100). All are well below coastal metros. Iowa's no-tax-on-Social-Security policy and competitive AL market make Des Moines a strong value proposition for Midwest retirees.
Looking for statewide data?
See the full Iowa assisted living cost guide, Medicaid eligibility, and facility directory.
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