Cost of Living in Iowa
Iowa has 19 cities with cost-of-living data on CompareLiving, drawn from US Census, BEA, HUD, and EPA sources. Prices range from Des Moines (cost index 92.8) to West Des Moines (92.8), with a statewide average around 92.8 versus the US baseline of 100. Median rent is lowest in Mason City at $882/mo and highest in Waukee at $1,383/mo.
Iowa at a Glance
Cities Tracked
19
with census data
Avg Cost Index
92.8
US avg = 100
Avg Median Rent
$1,064
per month
Avg Household Income
$76,143
annual median
Most & Least Affordable Cities
Most Affordable
| # | City | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Des Moines | 92.8 |
| 2 | West Des Moines | 92.8 |
Most Expensive
| # | City | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Des Moines | 92.8 |
| 2 | West Des Moines | 92.8 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100)
Popular Cities in Iowa
Explore Iowa Cities in Depth
Climate & Weather in Iowa
Healthcare & Hospitals in Iowa
Neighborhoods in Iowa
Jobs & Industries in Iowa
Iowa Cities — Full Table
Click columns to sort
| Des Moines | 212,421 | 92.8 | $1,090 | $194,700 | $65,932 |
| Cedar Rapids | 137,264 | — | $967 | $187,100 | $70,424 |
| Davenport | 100,913 | — | $978 | $166,400 | $66,200 |
| Sioux City | 86,101 | — | $976 | $173,600 | $68,906 |
| Iowa City | 75,752 | — | $1,094 | $285,900 | $58,546 |
| Ankeny | 72,615 | — | $1,319 | $331,000 | $108,198 |
| West Des Moines | 71,083 | 92.8 | $1,237 | $309,000 | $86,594 |
| Ames | 67,669 | — | $1,023 | $277,400 | $60,991 |
| Waterloo | 67,008 | — | $923 | $152,600 | $57,480 |
| Council Bluffs | 62,586 | — | $1,030 | $171,800 | $64,578 |
| Dubuque | 59,174 | — | $948 | $204,800 | $65,845 |
| Urbandale | 46,595 | — | $1,211 | $335,500 | $112,795 |
| Marion | 41,896 | — | $961 | $241,700 | $86,743 |
| Cedar Falls | 40,888 | — | $1,203 | $263,600 | $76,987 |
| Bettendorf | 39,647 | — | $1,187 | $306,500 | $100,495 |
| Waukee | 29,236 | — | $1,383 | $350,500 | $101,029 |
| Marshalltown | 27,626 | — | $891 | $127,700 | $69,068 |
| Mason City | 27,050 | — | $882 | $142,000 | $64,804 |
| Ottumwa | 25,430 | — | $921 | $106,300 | $61,103 |
Cost Index = BEA Regional Price Parity (US avg = 100) · Income & Rent = US Census ACS
Compare Iowa cities head-to-head
Use our comparison tool to put any two cities side by side. Or explore national rankings to see how Iowa cities stack up across the US. For example, Des Moines vs Cedar Rapids.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Living in Iowa
What is the cost of living in Iowa?
The average cost of living index across cities in Iowa is approximately 92.8 (US average = 100), which is slightly below the US average. Median gross rent averages around $1,064/month and median household income averages around $76,143/year.
What are the cheapest cities to live in Iowa?
The most affordable cities in Iowa by cost of living index are: 1. Des Moines (index 92.8), 2. West Des Moines (index 92.8).
What is the median rent in Iowa?
The average median gross rent across cities in Iowa is approximately $1,064/month. Rent varies significantly by city and neighborhood — use the city profiles below for specific figures.
What are the income tax rates in Iowa?
State income tax information for Iowa is not yet available in our database.
What is the sales tax in Iowa?
Sales tax information for Iowa is not yet available in our database.
Is it expensive to move to Iowa?
Iowa has a cost of living index of approximately 92.8 and average median rent around $1,064/month. It is generally more affordable than the US average, which can offset moving costs over time. Use our moving guides for salary equivalence calculations.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, Tax Foundation · Methodology