The cheapest cities to live in Iowa ranked by median rent, home values, and more.
| # | City | Median Rent | Median Income | Home Value | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marshalltown, IA | $864 | $68,854 | $117,100 | 27,491 |
| 2 | Mason City, IA | $874 | $62,369 | $130,000 | 27,135 |
| 3 | Waterloo, IA | $896 | $56,344 | $150,200 | 66,947 |
| 4 | Cedar Rapids, IA | $925 | $67,859 | $177,100 | 136,859 |
| 5 | Davenport, IA | $930 | $64,497 | $162,900 | 101,083 |
| 6 | Sioux City, IA | $936 | $65,473 | $162,600 | 85,651 |
| 7 | Dubuque, IA | $943 | $64,985 | $193,100 | 59,271 |
| 8 | Ottumwa, IA | $956 | $56,994 | $92,400 | 25,352 |
| 9 | Marion, IA | $978 | $87,105 | $230,800 | 41,690 |
| 10 | Council Bluffs, IA | $980 | $64,092 | $164,300 | 62,564 |
| 11 | Ames, IA | $1,040 | $60,102 | $263,800 | 66,112 |
| 12 | Des Moines, IA | $1,054 | $63,966 | $183,700 | 212,464 |
| 13 | Iowa City, IA | $1,094 | $57,533 | $273,600 | 75,264 |
| 14 | Bettendorf, IA | $1,148 | $102,917 | $295,600 | 39,297 |
| 15 | Urbandale, IA | $1,176 | $113,086 | $318,800 | 46,026 |
| 16 | Cedar Falls, IA | $1,177 | $74,165 | $252,500 | 40,662 |
| 17 | West Des Moines, IA | $1,194 | $84,925 | $286,300 | 69,893 |
| 18 | Ankeny, IA | $1,279 | $106,603 | $311,300 | 70,542 |
| 19 | Waukee, IA | $1,290 | $106,728 | $328,200 | 26,974 |
Key Takeaways
- Marshalltown, IA ranks #1 with a median rent of $864.
- The top 5 cities are: Marshalltown, IA; Mason City, IA; Waterloo, IA; Cedar Rapids, IA; Davenport, IA.
- Median household income in the #1 city is $68,854, with a population of 27,491.
Methodology
Rankings based on US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Only cities with population over 50,000 are included in national rankings. State rankings include all cities over 25,000. Data reflects the most recent available estimates.