Cost of Living in Iowa
Overall index: 89.8 — ranked #45 of 51 (below average cost).
Where your money goes in Iowa
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Iowa
Estimated annual spending: $58,052($16,948 remaining)
What things cost in Iowa
| Item | Iowa | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $210,000 | $360,000 | $-150,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,088/mo | $1,400/mo | $-312 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.19/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.31 |
| Electric bill | $83/mo | $137/mo | $54 |
| Infant childcare | $9,605/yr | $13,500/yr | $3,895 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.78 | $4.95 | $0.17 |
| Monthly groceries | $396/mo | $410/mo | $14 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Iowa vs national average
What a salary in Iowa is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,900 | $-5,100 |
| $75,000 | $67,350 | $-7,650 |
| $100,000 | $89,800 | $-10,200 |
| $125,000 | $112,250 | $-12,750 |
| $150,000 | $134,700 | $-15,300 |
| $200,000 | $179,600 | $-20,400 |
Negative difference means your money goes further in Iowa than the national average.
Compare Iowa with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Iowa?
Iowa has an overall cost-of-living index of 89.8, making it below average cost (ranked #45 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $210,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,088/month.
Is Iowa expensive to live in?
No, Iowa is more affordable than most states with an overall index of 89.8 (average = 100). Housing is particularly affordable at 77.7% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in Iowa?
The median home price in Iowa is $210,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,088/month. Iowa's housing index is 77.7 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 22.299999999999997% below the national average.
How much are groceries in Iowa?
Iowa's grocery index is 96.6 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $4.78 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $396, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Iowa?
The average monthly electric bill in Iowa is $83 based on the state's residential rate of 9.34¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Iowa?
Center-based infant childcare in Iowa averages $9,605/year ($800/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Iowa?
A $75,000 salary in Iowa has the same purchasing power as $83,519 at the national average cost of living. Because Iowa is below average in cost, your money goes further here. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Iowa Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Iowa taxes
- House Affordability in Iowa — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Iowa take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.