State guide
Cost of living in Iowa
1 Iowa city in the dataset, ranked cheapest first. We model an effective 3.0% state income tax at middle incomes. Combined state + average local sales tax runs about 6.9%.
Cities covered
1
Median rent
$1,318/mo
Median est. cost
$3,608/mo
State income tax
≈3.0%
Standouts in Iowa
Cheapest
Des Moines, IA
$3,608/mo
Lowest estimated monthly essentials for one person.
Best overall
Des Moines, IA
Fit 69
Highest default Fit Score of the cities here.
Safest
Des Moines, IA
Safety 30
Lowest violent and property crime per capita.
Best for jobs
Des Moines, IA
Jobs 84
Strongest labor market (BLS unemployment + growth).
Sunniest
Des Moines, IA
221 sunny days
Most sunny days per year.
Every Iowa city, cheapest first
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