Iowa is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States.
This state has pretty much to offer, including job opportunities, cultural events, and most importantly – a low cost of living.
Due to that, many families and young students move to Iowa (or, as someones say – Hawkeye State).
So, keep reading the text because we are going over a few basics that everyone should know about the cost of living in Iowa.
Then, we’ll take a closer look at the top five most expensive cities in this state.
Contents
The Cost of Living in Iowa
We have just mentioned in the text above that this state has a low cost of living.
Moreover, Iowa is one of the most affordable metropolitan states in the country.
Also, we have to note the good economic opportunity and a quality educational system, which Iowa has.
However, in all States, there are certain areas where the cost of living is higher.
Indeed, the most expensive in the state is the Iowa City metro area.
Here, the cost of goods and services is 6.3% lower than the national average and 4.5% higher than the statewide average.
Housing Costs
Housing is one of the most relevant factors in the cost of living.
In Iowa, the average listing price for a single-family home is worth $142,300, or $62,600 less than the national median home value of $204,900.
The typical renter in Iowa spends $746 a month on housing, $277 less than the $1,023 national median monthly rent.
The monthly rent for a one-bedroom in the state is $600, while the typical rent for a unit with five or more bedrooms is $900.
Summing up, Iowa has cheap housing and renting costs compared to prices with other states in America.
Food Costs
Food is only another ritual expense that is a significant part of the overall cost of living.
But, the cost of food varies from state to state, or even more, the prices can vary from city to city, depending on supermarkets, restaurants, bazaars, etc.
However, in Iowa, there are many restaurants and various supermarkets where you can find everything you want for a reasonable price.
In short, a single adult spends an average of $2,945 on food annually, and a family of four spends $8,504 on average.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs can also be a serious component of your financial budget.
In Iowa, one of the best things is that there is a very well-organized transport system.
There are rarely traffic jams, so you will never get nervous.
And the most important thing is that the prices for these transport tickets are not so overpriced.
Other transportation costs, like car insurance premiums, can range by state.
In Iowa, the average car insurance premium is $1,327, less than the $1,517 national average.
Health Care Costs
Health care costs and insurance premiums for health care are relatively high in Iowa.
Average health care costs for a single adult in the state are around $4,531 per year, compared to the national average of $4,266.
The Top Five Expensive Cities in This State
Obviously, there are so many differences from city to city about prices.
Here are the top five expensive cities in this state, which are definitely the most overpriced.
Des Moines
This city is a great place to live and work.
In fact, it is a place where you can find job opportunities, inspiring schools, and friendly neighborhoods.
Moreover, Des Moines is the number one city in the nation for business and careers.
But let’s have a deeper look at the actual cost of living in this city.
As we note that Iowa has a low cost of living, in Des Moines is not the same.
As for other costs, such as utilities and grocery prices, we have to notice that they are higher in this city.
As an illustration, a gas one gallon is $2.58, a bill for energy per month is about $170, and a phone bill per month is $180.
The prices in supermarkets, as well as in restaurants, are not low cost either.
A loaf of bread is $4, a gallon of milk is around $2, while a carton of eggs is $1.90
Cedar Rapids
This city is one of the top ten friendly travel destinations in the world.
Cedar Rapids is a city known for its difference and inclusion.
Even more, this city is rated the number one place in America for kids five years in a row.
Cedar Rapids is home to the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, the Paramount Theatre, Theatre Cedar Rapids, and the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance.
Entrances to these museums are pretty pricey.
While the housing expenses are 15% lower than the national average, utility prices are 9% higher than the national average.
Also, transportation charges like bus fares and gas prices are 12% higher than the national average.
Last but not least is healthcare costs.
Healthcare in Cedar Rapids is 5% more expensive than the national average.
For example, for one short visit to the doctor, you can pay about $120, while one visit to the dentist can cost you $120.
If you are a pet lover, you should probably know that for one veterinary visit in this city, you can pay above $55.
Davenport
Located approximately halfway between Chicago and Des Moines, Davenport is on the border of Iowa and Illinois within the area known as the Quad Cities.
The median home price in this city is more than $300.000, which is a really fancy price.
As for rent, the average price for rent per month is around $950.
A one-gallon gas costs $3, and an energy bill per month is around $190.
The other prices, such as food and restaurant costs, are identically the same as the previously mentioned prices in the cities before.
Sioux City
Sioux City is a city in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Iowa.
This city is at the navigational head of the Missouri River and is very popular.
You can visit several cultural points of interest, such as the Sioux City Public Museum, Sioux City Art Center, and Sergeant Floyd Monument.
The prices for entrances in these museums are pretty upscale.
Besides, Sioux City is very family-oriented.
This city provides many places and events that create many opportunities for families to socialize and receive support within the community.
In this city the prices for restaurants are the highest, comparing the other prices in other cities.
For instance, dinner in a restaurant for two people could cost you more than $55.
Iowa City
Iowa City was the second capital of the Iowa Territory and the first capital city of Iowa.
In this city, utility costs for basics, such as electricity, heating, cooling, water for 85m2 apartments, costs $170.
The prices in markets are also much overpriced compared to other cities in this state.
For example, one-liter milk is around $1, a loaf of fresh white bread (500g) is $3, and Eggs (regular 12) are $2.
One-way pass for local transport is $1.25, while the monthly ticket is $35.
On the other side, Iowa City offers the perfect mix of large shopping centers.
For one pair of jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar), you can expect to find it at above $50.
One summer dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M) is about $38.
One pair of Nike Running Shoes is more than $85.
As for restaurant costs, here we go.
A meal for one person in an inexpensive restaurant is around $15, while a meal for two people is not cheap than $50.
Anyways, if you prefer fast food meals, then for one McMeal at McDonald’s (or Equivalent Combo Meal), you will pay more than $8.
Iowa Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Iowa Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Additional Resources
Cost of Living in Alaska Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Michigan Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in California Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Wisconsin Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Colorado Cities: These Are the Top 5
Cost of Living in Ohio Cities: These Are the Top 5
