Iowa is one of the most affordable states in North America. Along with a cheap cost of living in Iowa, the state also has beautiful seasons, excellent education, and one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. Examine the potential costs of moving to Iowa before packing your bags.
What is the cost of living in Iowa?
You might ask yourself, “How much does it cost to live in Iowa?” A recent USA Today report ranked Iowa as the ninth cheapest place to live in the continental United States. BestPlaces ranks living indices on an average of 100, meaning that any amount below 100 is a lower cost than the national average. According to this site, Iowa’s cost of living is 83.7, with health care being the only area of life where the ranking is above 100. The cost of living in Iowa is quite affordable whether you are living in a rural county or a big city.
How expensive is an apartment in Iowa?
The price of an apartment in Iowa will vary depending on what city you want to call home. Iowa is a state where living in urban areas such as Des Moines, one of the wealthiest cities in the United States, can be cheaper than living in rural areas. This cost decreases even further if you decide to live with roommates.
An apartment in Iowa ranges from about $900 for a one-bedroom apartment to $1,295 for a four-bedroom apartment. The average rent across the state is about $960 per month. Remember, when renting an apartment, be sure to factor in other costs such as utilities, HOAs, and renter’s insurance.
How do I find cheap apartments in Iowa?
To find the cheapest apartment in Iowa, you need to use online tools and be specific about what you seek. Use the online marketplace to help compare options and narrow your search. Think about what you need in your apartment — number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, accessibility to public transportation, and anything else that can narrow your search field. Have a maximum price you intend to pay and try not to go over this amount when looking at apartments.
Once you have used all online resources, it’s essential to visit the cities that interest you. Maybe a quaint town such as Maquoketa, Iowa, sounds nice. Or perhaps you fall in love with a city such as Iowa City. Search the neighborhoods and determine the cheapest location within the city limits. Iowa City may be one of the most expensive cities in Iowa, but you can still find a two-bedroom apartment for less than $1,000.
What is the cheapest rent in Iowa?
Some of the smaller cities in Iowa are attractive, and they often have the cheapest rents. The most affordable place to live in Iowa is Denison, Iowa. Denison is in West Central Iowa and has low rental costs plus the highest median income for its population. Coming behind Denison in terms of cheap rent are Webster City and Clarinda. These small towns have a population average of 8,000. The next most affordable city is Marshalltown, which has a larger population of 27,000.
However, if you want to live in a bigger city, some affordable areas exist, even in urban centers. Des Moines has an average rent cost of $888 for a single apartment, plus an unemployment rate half the national average. Even if apartments are a little pricier, the vibrant job market makes up for the cost.
What are the average utility costs in Iowa?
The cost of utilities in Iowa are fairly low compared to the rest of the United States. In terms of energy costs, the most significant portion will go toward heating and water heating in the winter when Iowa can experience temperature a few degrees below freezing. You can save money on heating by renting a recently winterized apartment that can withstand the icy Iowa breezes in the winter.
According to Space Simply, utility costs for a combination of water, electric, gas, and waste removal will average about $215 a month for the average utility bill in Iowa. The one utility that will fluctuate the most depending on where you live is cable/internet. This amenity costs more if you live in a rural Iowa city. A middle-of-the-road package will cost about $70 a month.
What are other costs to consider living in Iowa?
You want to consider your lifestyle, family size, and job salary when moving to a new city. If you are a young person starting a new career, you need to factor in transportation costs, social activities, and rent. If you are moving your entire family to Iowa, you will want to research schools, child care, and the job market. If you are moving to Iowa to start your retirement, you will want to consider retirement costs, health care, social clubs, and excursions.
One thing everyone will have to think about is food costs. Grocery costs will change significantly depending on the size of your family. But the average food costs for a family with two adults and two children run about $650 a month. If you decide to live in a bigger city, you need to factor in increased restaurant costs for dining.
Transportation is another cost everyone will have to consider carefully. If you choose to live in a smaller city in rural Iowa, you will need a car. The cost of buying and maintaining a car in Iowa is cheaper than in much of the country. Public transportation options in many cities may be limited. The most common form of public transportation is the bus system, also known as the Iowa DOT. View the Iowa DOT maps and schedules in cities throughout Iowa.
Now that you understand several points about Iowa cost of living, you’ll be prepared to select a place to call home in the Hawkeye State.
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