Vinyl siding cost in Des Moines, IA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (2,100 sq ft of wall)
- $8,250 – $24,800
- Per sq ft of wall
- $3.95 – $12
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −1%
- US $16,800
- Rank of 300 metros
- #122
- 1 = most expensive
New vinyl siding in Des Moines, IA usually costs $8,250 to $24,800 for 2,100 sq ft of wall. That works out to about $3.95 to $12 per sq ft of wall before permits. That is within a few percent of the national midpoint, so there is little local premium or discount. Building materials run about 6% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 93.7).
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Estimated cost for 2,100 sq ft of wall in Des Moines, IA, standard level
$13,200 to $19,900
About $6.30 to $9.45 per sq ft of wall before permits. Labor is about 52% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $6,300 | $9,450 |
| Labor | $6,950 | $10,400 |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $13,200 | $19,900 |
Cost breakdown for 2,100 sq ft of wall in Des Moines, IA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3,950 | $7,850 | $11,800 | 48% |
| Labor | $4,350 | $8,700 | $13,000 | 52% |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | 0% |
| Total | $8,250 | $16,500 | $24,800 | 100% |
Why Des Moines prices look the way they do
The wage side of the estimate leans on carpenters, who do 60% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $29.50 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Des Moines is 1.03 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 52% of the total.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Des Moines is at 93.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $8,400 nationally becomes $7,850 here (midpoint, 2,100 sq ft of wall). Permits follow the all-items index of 91.7: $0 to $0.
Planning more than one job in Des Moines?
Jobs that often go together with vinyl siding are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Des Moines wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, attic insulation comes out highest (+9%) and roof replacement lowest (−8%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof replacement | 2,000 sq ft of roof | $5,650 – $11,600 | −8% |
| Gutters | 160 linear ft | $1,250 – $4,050 | −3% |
| Window replacement | 10 windows | $4,400 – $14,500 | −3% |
| Attic insulation | 1,000 sq ft | $1,150 – $4,300 | +9% |
| Metal roof | 2,000 sq ft of roof | $9,550 – $30,600 | −6% |
Pick a size, pick a tier: vinyl siding pricing in Des Moines
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Des Moines. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from small house (1,200 sq ft of wall) to large house (3,000 sq ft of wall).
Basic
$8,250 to $14,900
Basic clapboard siding, simple house
Standard
$13,200 to $19,900
Mid-grade panels, standard trim and corners
Premium
$18,200 to $24,800
Premium or board-and-batten, many corners and gables
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small house (1,200 sq ft of wall) | $4,750 – $8,500 | $7,550 – $11,300 | $10,400 – $14,200 |
| average house (2,100 sq ft of wall) | $8,250 – $14,900 | $13,200 – $19,900 | $18,200 – $24,800 |
| large house (3,000 sq ft of wall) | $11,800 – $21,300 | $18,900 – $28,400 | $26,000 – $35,500 |
Des Moines weather and the vinyl siding calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Des Moines Intl Ap (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For exterior installation, the comfortable months in Des Moines are March through November: 9 of 12. Outside them, January, February and December have an average daytime high under 45°F.
In January, February and December the average high stays below 45°F. Sealants, adhesives and some materials, such as vinyl, are harder to install well in the cold, and short daylight cuts the working day.
Des Moines gets about 37 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 37 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and August (5.3 inches in June). Inside the workable window, March and November are the driest, at 2.2 and 1.9 inches. The station averages about 22 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 14 | 1.1 | Cold |
| Feb | 36 | 18 | 1.3 | Cold |
| Mar | 49 | 30 | 2.2 | Workable |
| Apr | 62 | 41 | 4.0 | Workable |
| May | 72 | 52 | 5.2 | Workable |
| Jun | 82 | 62 | 5.3 | Workable |
| Jul | 86 | 66 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Aug | 84 | 64 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Sep | 77 | 55 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 63 | 43 | 2.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 48 | 30 | 1.9 | Workable |
| Dec | 36 | 20 | 1.6 | Cold |
Des Moines against nearby metros and the rest of Iowa
Same job, same size (2,100 sq ft of wall), priced for the nearest metros. Des Moines is the priciest of the group. Iowa City is the cheapest at $15,500.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IAthis page | $8,250 – $24,800 | $16,500 | |
| Waterloo, IA95 miles | $8,050 – $24,100 | $16,100 | −3% |
| Iowa City, IA110 miles | $7,750 – $23,200 | $15,500 | −6% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA115 miles | $8,250 – $24,700 | $16,500 | level |
| Omaha, NE120 miles | $7,950 – $23,900 | $15,900 | −4% |
| Sioux City, IA145 miles | $7,850 – $23,500 | $15,700 | −5% |
| Iowa (statewide) | $8,100 – $24,300 | $16,200 | −2% |
| United States | $8,400 – $25,200 | $16,800 | +2% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Des Moines ranks #122 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Des Moines is 2% above the Iowa figure.
Elsewhere in Iowa
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davenport, IA | 180,450 jobs | $8,400 – $25,300 | $16,800 | +2% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 139,260 jobs | $8,250 – $24,700 | $16,500 | level |
| Iowa City, IA | 93,760 jobs | $7,750 – $23,200 | $15,500 | −6% |
| Waterloo, IA | 84,260 jobs | $8,050 – $24,100 | $16,100 | −3% |
| Sioux City, IA | 75,010 jobs | $7,850 – $23,500 | $15,700 | −5% |
| Dubuque, IA | 58,470 jobs | $8,200 – $24,600 | $16,400 | −1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Des Moines against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport, CT | 404,180 jobs | $8,850 – $26,500 | $17,700 | +7% |
| Columbia, SC | 394,200 jobs | $7,550 – $22,600 | $15,100 | −9% |
| Albuquerque, NM | 404,700 jobs | $8,000 – $24,000 | $16,000 | −3% |
| Charleston, SC | 394,170 jobs | $7,700 – $23,100 | $15,400 | −7% |
What local crews earn in Des Moines
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 3 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Des Moines the blend is 1.03.
Carpenters (47-2031), 60% of the weighting: a median of $29.50 an hour, in line with the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $24.03 and $35.68 an hour. About 1,810 work in the metro. That is 44.8 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $24.03 an hour, which is 6% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.67 and $28.91 an hour. BLS counts 3,510 of them working in the area, 86.9 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Sheet metal workers (47-2211), 10% of the weighting: a median of $31.73 an hour, 7% above the US median of $29.71. The middle half of them earn between $24.87 and $40.84 an hour. About 350 work in the metro. That is 8.7 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 7.7 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (carpenters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $1,050 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $950. That is a swing of roughly 5.7% to 6.5% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Des Moines-West Des Moines has 404,130 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 64th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 60% | $24.03 | $29.50 | $35.68 | $29.12 | 1.01 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $22.67 | $24.03 | $28.91 | $22.66 | 1.06 | metro |
| Sheet metal workers (47-2211) | 10% | $24.87 | $31.73 | $40.84 | $29.71 | 1.07 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.03 | |||||
Vinyl siding: what moves the price in Des Moines
Wall area is not floor area
A 2,000 sq ft house usually has more wall area than floor area once you count gables and two stories. Measure the wall, not the floor.
Style
Clapboard vinyl siding runs $4-$7 per sq ft installed; board-and-batten is $5-$9 (HomeGuide).
Old siding removal
Taking the old siding off costs $0.70-$2.00 per sq ft. Check that disposal is included.
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $13,200 to $19,900 for Des Moines, IA is attached.
Detailed vinyl siding report for Des Moines, IA, $9
The report lays out the vinyl siding numbers for Des Moines, IA line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Vinyl siding in Des Moines: your questions
+How much does it cost to install vinyl siding in Des Moines?
For 2,100 sq ft of wall, expect $8,250 to $24,800 in the Des Moines area. A standard-spec job lands at $13,200 to $19,900. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft of wall and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft of wall for vinyl siding in Des Moines?
About $3.95 to $12 per sq ft of wall for materials and labor, plus $0 to $0 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $4 to $12.
+Is vinyl siding cheaper in Des Moines or Waterloo?
Waterloo is 95 miles away. The midpoint for 2,100 sq ft of wall there is $16,100, which is 3% less than Des Moines ($16,500). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Des Moines?
About 52% at the midpoint, or $8,700 out of $16,500. Materials are 48% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would average house (2,100 sq ft of wall) cost in Des Moines?
$8,250 to $24,800. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does vinyl siding need a permit in Des Moines?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $0 to $0 for fees in the Des Moines area (our national range of $0 to $0 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Des Moines expensive for vinyl siding compared with the rest of Iowa?
Des Moines is 2% above the Iowa statewide estimate ($16,200 at the midpoint). We cover 7 metros in Iowa; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Des Moines?
The BLS median is $29.50 an hour in the Des Moines area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $24.03 to $35.68.
+What do basic and premium vinyl siding work cost in Des Moines?
For 2,100 sq ft of wall, basic work runs $8,250 to $14,900 and premium work $18,200 to $24,800. Basic means: basic clapboard siding, simple house. Premium means: premium or board-and-batten, many corners and gables.
+When is the best time to install vinyl siding in Des Moines?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through November. March and November are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
Vinyl siding near Des Moines
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Vinyl Siding Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = installed price minus HomeGuide's $2-$6 per sq ft labor figure, which it says is around half the project cost.