Iowa Cost of Living 2026

Here is how Iowa compares to the national average across major spending categories. An index above 100 means the category is more expensive than average, while below 100 means it is more affordable.

Key Takeaways for Iowa

• Housing (74.8): Housing costs are well below the national average, making Iowa one of the more affordable states for housing.
• Groceries (95.2): Grocery prices are close to the national average with minimal impact on your budget.
• Transportation (94.6): Transportation costs are below the national average.
• Healthcare (98.7): Healthcare costs are near the national average.
• Utilities (93.8): Utility costs are below the national average, helping to keep monthly expenses manageable.

Biggest Factor in Iowa

The most expensive category in Iowa relative to national averages is Healthcare at an index of 98.7, while the most affordable is Housing at 74.8. The low housing costs are a major advantage for Iowa residents, allowing for more disposable income compared to high-cost states.