Cost of Living in Iowa City, IA

Population: 75,264 • 2026 Data

$57,533
Median Household Income
-26% vs national
$1,094
Median Monthly Rent
-19% vs national
$273,600
Median Home Value
-19% vs national
4.2%
Unemployment Rate

Housing in Iowa City

The median home value in Iowa City, IA is $273,600. Monthly rent for a typical unit averages $1,094, while total monthly housing costs (including utilities and insurance) average $1,168.

Rent-to-income ratio: 22.8%. This is within the recommended 30% threshold, suggesting housing is relatively affordable for median-income earners.

Income and Employment

The median household income in Iowa City, IA is $57,533. The unemployment rate stands at 4.2%, with a labor force of 45,100 people.

Data Sources

All data from the US Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. National median figures used for comparison context.

Verify at data.census.gov