This Affordable Midwest Suburb Has Home Values Around $322,000 And Tax Perks For Retirees

Regardless of their age, many people flock to the Midwest in search of a low cost of living. However, Iowa, in particular, is one of the best states to retire in that region, and West Des Moines is one of the state's most appealing locales. First incorporated as a small railroad hub in 1893, West Des Moines has grown into a vibrant suburb of the greater Des Moines metro area: As of July 2025, the Census Bureau reported it had a population of 74,224 people.

According to a June 2026 report by LivingCost.org, a single person could expect to spend roughly $1,972 monthly to cover living costs in West Des Moines. Additionally, Payscale projects life in the area costs 9% less than the national average. Keeping with Iowa's reputation as one of the cheapest states in the country to buy a house, West Des Moines' real estate costs are also particularly attractive: According to Zillow, the average home value in West Des Moines was $322,185 in August 2026, which was around 13.5% less than the national average of $368,697.

In addition to its low cost of living, retirees may find West Des Moines especially appealing because Iowa does not tax Social Security, or many other forms of retirement income. Since 2023, retirees over the age of 55, in addition to residents with disabilities and qualifying surviving spouses, have benefited from the Hawkeye State's unique tax perk: Income from a wide range of pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs is not subject to Iowa income taxes. Roth conversions also go untaxed by the state.

West Des Moines is home to a range of amenities that suit the needs of many demographics: Locals can enjoy the Historical Valley Junction and its wide selection of retail shops, restaurants, and art galleries, while the Jordan Creek Town Center mall provides even more opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Best Neighborhood ranked this suburb the 128th-best city to live in out of 2,098 locales it's studied throughout the U.S., largely thanks to its affordability, safety, schools, and weather. Niche, meanwhile, awarded West Des Moines a spot near the top of its list of Des Moines suburbs, giving it an A- grade for its retirement compatibility. 

Further underscoring the town's affordability, Payscale projects area utility costs are 21% below the national average in West Des Moines, with energy bills average $173.46 per month and monthly phone bills averaging around $154.75. Groceries tend to cost around 2% less than the national average, while healthcare is projected to be 17% more affordable. The website also highlights that transportation costs are 1% less than average, and AAA's reported gas prices echo this observation: As of September 24, 2026, average gas prices in Iowa were $4.33 per gallon, compared to the national average of $4.48.

And while conventional housing is already accessibly priced, should a West Des Moines retiree decide to move to an independent living facility, Seniors.fyi notes there were 39 such communities in West Des Moines with monthly costs ranging from $2,350 to $4,800 in 2026.