Cost of living in Story County, IA
Population 98,592 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Story County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Story County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Story County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Story County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Story County
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Story County
State and local tax rates for Iowa.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Story County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Story County
What it costs to live in Story County each month.
- Rent $951
- Energy $195
- Water $50
- Groceries $315
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $277
- State tax $106
- Rent $1,056
- Energy $234
- Water $60
- Groceries $522
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $799
- State tax $303
- Rent $1,476
- Energy $292
- Water $70
- Groceries $792
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $799
- State tax $303
Frequently asked questions about Story County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Story County?
In Story County, IA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $951 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,056 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,476 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Story County?
In Story County, IA, the average household income is $69,006 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $26,985 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Story County?
The estimated cost of living in Story County, IA is approximately $2,694 per month for a single person, $4,258 for a couple, $6,802 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Story County?
The combined sales tax rate in Story County, IA is 6.94%, which includes the Iowa state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 0.94%.
Is Story County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Story County, IA would need approximately $2,694 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $69,006 per year ($5,751 per month). Story County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Story County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Story County, IA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 4.6% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Story County?
The average home value in Story County, IA is $243,600, with average annual property taxes of $3,586, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Story County compare to other areas?
You can compare Story County, IA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Story County is in the Ames, IA metro area.
Other counties in Iowa
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About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP