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Midwest · West North Central

Cost of living in Iowa

Rent, taxes, earnings and more across all 99 Iowa counties.

Avg. 1-bed rent
$746/mo
Avg. household income
$69,830/yr
Avg. home value
$160,608
Avg. monthly cost
$2,793/mo
Cheapest county
Jefferson County
$2,538/mo for a single person
Most expensive county
Dallas County
$3,418/mo for a single person

Last updated May 21, 2026

Taxes in Iowa

State income, sales and local tax rates.

State income tax
5.70%
Top marginal rate

Iowa has a graduated state income tax ranging from 4.4% to 5.7%.

State sales tax
6.00%
Combined sales tax
6.94%
incl. average local of 0.94%

Use our salary calculator to see your take-home pay in Iowa

Tax information is for general reference. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation.

Rent in Iowa

The average one-bedroom rent across Iowa is $746/mo. Rent varies from $668/mo in Adair County to $1,052/mo in Pottawattamie County.

Cheapest rent

Most expensive rent

Cheapest places to live in Iowa

Top 10 counties by estimated single-person monthly cost.

Rankings include rent, utilities, groceries, transport, healthcare and taxes. See our methodology.

Most expensive places to live in Iowa

Top 10 counties by estimated single-person monthly cost.

Highest earning counties in Iowa

Top 10 by average household income.

All 99 counties in Iowa

Sorted by population. Type to filter.

Compare any two areas in Iowa

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

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Frequently asked questions about Iowa

Common questions about cost of living, taxes and rent.

What is the cost of living in Iowa?

The average cost of living in Iowa is approximately $2,793 per month for a single person. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare and taxes. Costs range from $2,538/mo in Jefferson County to $3,418/mo in Dallas County.

What is the average rent in Iowa?

The average one-bedroom rent in Iowa is $746 per month, based on HUD Fair Market Rent data across all 99 counties.

What is the average salary in Iowa?

The average household income in Iowa is $69,830 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

Does Iowa have state income tax?

Yes, Iowa has a graduated income tax ranging from 4.4% to 5.7%.

What is the sales tax in Iowa?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Iowa averages 6.94%. The state rate is 6.00% with an average local addition of 0.94%.

What are the cheapest places to live in Iowa?

The cheapest counties to live in Iowa based on overall monthly costs are: 1. Decatur County ($2,532/mo), 2. Jefferson County ($2,538/mo), 3. Union County ($2,615/mo), 4. Henry County ($2,623/mo), 5. Appanoose County ($2,624/mo).

What are the most expensive places to live in Iowa?

The most expensive counties to live in Iowa based on overall monthly costs are: 1. Dallas County ($3,418/mo), 2. Mills County ($3,279/mo), 3. Madison County ($3,245/mo), 4. Warren County ($3,232/mo), 5. Polk County ($3,200/mo).

Use this research

Journalists, researchers and bloggers are welcome to cite and share this analysis. Please include a follow link back to this page when referencing our data. For bespoke analysis, expert comment, or high-resolution graphics, get in touch via our press office.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources.

  • U.S. Census Bureau (ACS 5-Year Estimates)
  • HUD Fair Market Rents FY2025
  • Energy Information Administration (EIA)
  • Tax Foundation state and local rates
Methodology All data sources