Rent comparison · HUD FY2026
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area vs Benton County, IA HUD Metro FMR Area
How do Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area and Benton County, IA HUD Metro FMR Area rents compare? A side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent breakdown, studio through 4-bedroom.
- $1,109
- Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area (1BR)
- $729
- Benton County, IA HUD Metro FMR Area (1BR)
- +52%
- 1BR difference
Side-by-side FY 2026 HUD Fair Market Rent comparison. Data from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
A 1-bedroom in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area is 52% more expensive than Benton County, IA HUD Metro FMR Area at the HUD Fair Market Rent level ($1,109 vs $729). Both figures are the 40th percentile of gross rents (utilities included, telephone excluded) set by HUD for the federal fiscal year 2026. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher payment standards in each area are set between 90% and 110% of these FMR numbers. Source: HUD Fair Market Rents.
How Do Rents Compare By Bedroom?
| Bedrooms | Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area | Benton County, IA HUD Metro FMR Area | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,063 | $659 | +$404 (+61%) |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,109 | $729 | +$380 (+52%) |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,318 | $956 | +$362 (+38%) |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,794 | $1,209 | +$585 (+48%) |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,841 | $1,348 | +$493 (+37%) |
vs US National Average
National average 1BR: $959. Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA HUD Metro FMR Area is 16% above the US average. Benton County, IA HUD Metro FMR Area is 24% below.
Sources: HUD Fair Market Rents FY 2026. Population and median income from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).