Cost of living in Tama County, IA
Population 16,982 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Tama County
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Tama County
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Tama County
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Tama County
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Tama 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 Tama 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 Tama County
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Tama County
What it costs to live in Tama County each month.
- Rent $697
- Energy $195
- Water $50
- Groceries $315
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $507
- State tax $170
- Rent $915
- Energy $234
- Water $60
- Groceries $522
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $782
- State tax $298
- Rent $1,102
- Energy $292
- Water $70
- Groceries $792
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $782
- State tax $298
Frequently asked questions about Tama County
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Tama County?
In Tama County, IA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $697 per month, a two-bedroom averages $915 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,102 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Tama County?
In Tama County, IA, the average household income is $67,955 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $41,038 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Tama County?
The estimated cost of living in Tama County, IA is approximately $2,734 per month for a single person, $4,095 for a couple, $6,406 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Tama County?
The combined sales tax rate in Tama County, IA is 6.94%, which includes the Iowa state rate of 6.00% plus an average local rate of 0.94%.
Is Tama County an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Tama County, IA would need approximately $2,734 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $67,955 per year ($5,663 per month). Tama County is relatively affordable compared to the national average.
How much does healthcare cost in Tama County?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Tama County, IA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 7.0% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Tama County?
The average home value in Tama County, IA is $139,900, with average annual property taxes of $1,945, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Tama County compare to other areas?
You can compare Tama County, IA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Tama County is in Iowa.
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