Are you considering a move to Iowa City, Iowa, United States, and wondering about the cost of living? Iowa City, Iowa is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Iowa City, Iowa and help you understand whether $4004 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $4117.14.
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Restaurants |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant |
20.0 $ |
|
|
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course |
45.0 $ |
|
|
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) |
9.0 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (1 pint draught) |
5.0 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
8.0 $ |
|
|
Cappuccino (regular) |
4.73 $ |
|
|
Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle) |
2.37 $ |
|
|
Water (12 oz small bottle) |
1.5 $ |
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Markets |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Milk (regular), (1 gallon) |
0.99 $ |
|
|
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) |
2.09 $ |
|
|
Rice (white), (1 lb) |
7.72 $ |
|
|
Eggs (regular) (12) |
3.9 $ |
|
|
Local Cheese (1 lb) |
9.92 $ |
|
|
Chicken Fillets (1 lb) |
22.05 $ |
|
|
Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) |
25.89 $ |
|
|
Apples (1 lb) |
4.19 $ |
|
|
Banana (1 lb) |
2.25 $ |
|
|
Oranges (1 lb) |
4.41 $ |
|
|
Tomato (1 lb) |
8.36 $ |
|
|
Potato (1 lb) |
3.3 $ |
|
|
Onion (1 lb) |
3.97 $ |
|
|
Lettuce (1 head) |
1.99 $ |
|
|
Water (1.5 liter bottle) |
1.0 $ |
|
|
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) |
11.5 $ |
|
|
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) |
1.73 $ |
|
|
Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle) |
4.5 $ |
|
|
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) |
9.0 $ |
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Transportation |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
One-way Ticket (Local Transport) |
1.0 $ |
|
|
Monthly Pass (Regular Price) |
32.0 $ |
|
|
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) |
2.75 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff) |
1.52 $ |
|
|
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) |
45.0 $ |
|
|
Gasoline (1 gallon) |
0.9 $ |
|
|
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) |
23195.0 $ |
|
|
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) |
19850.0 $ |
|
|
Utilities (Monthly) |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment |
246.52 $ |
|
|
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans) |
-- |
|
|
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
90.2 $ |
|
|
Sports And Leisure |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult |
33.0 $ |
|
|
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend) |
32.5 $ |
|
|
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat |
12.0 $ |
|
|
Childcare |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child |
1163.89 $ |
|
|
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child |
-- |
|
|
Clothing And Shoes |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) |
48.33 $ |
|
|
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...) |
46.33 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) |
78.0 $ |
|
|
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes |
101.67 $ |
|
|
Rent Per Month |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre |
1925.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre |
1050.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre |
2800.0 $ |
|
|
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre |
1650.0 $ |
|
|
Buy Apartment Price |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre |
2045.14 $ |
|
|
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre |
1937.5 $ |
|
|
Salaries And Financing |
Price |
World Range |
|---|---|---|
|
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax) |
4117.14 $ |
|
|
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate |
6.59 % |
|
The monthly expenses for living in Iowa City, Iowa come to a total of approximately $4004. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1925 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $291 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1185 per month.
Living in Iowa City, Iowa appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $4117.14. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Iowa City, Iowa, you would likely need an income exceeding $4117.14.
In Iowa City, Iowa, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $4117.14, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.
The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Iowa City, Iowa is approximately $1925. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $1050.0 for such an apartment.
The expense for groceries in Iowa City, Iowa can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $997 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.
The cost of living in United States can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout United States.
There's low risk when visiting Iowa City. You can expect average crime rates in most categories, but most of them are a little lower than the national and state average. When you balance that out with the number of things to do here, it's worth your time to visit as long as you use basic safety techniques.
If you download the Iowa City Transit app, you'll see all the bus schedules available to take you around town. You can even pay your fare there. Taxis and rideshares are readily available, so please use one of them if you've been drinking during your visit. All options come with low risk.
The theft risk here is one in 80. Pickpocket reports over the past five years range from nine to 12 incidents reported per year. That's not a lot in a city of 74,000 people. There's a low risk as long as you keep your wallet or purse secure and only carry things you need with you. Be especially careful at big festivals, crowded bars, or sporting events.
Iowa City has a bad history with severe weather. Two major floods have happened since 1993 and in 2006 there was an Easter weekend tornado outbreak that hit Iowa City hard. Winters also bring snowstorms and ice storms. You should be well educated on all kinds of severe weather when visiting Iowa because there's a medium risk throughout the year.
The robbery rate is lower than the national average and there is a one in 3,118 chance of being a victim. This is a low risk for the whole area, but remember not to fight back if you are approached by a robber. You don't want to risk getting hurt to protect your personal stuff.
There's a low risk of terrorist activity here. Iowa has a lot of corn and soybean fields with cattle farms in between. It's not big enough of a target for terror groups.
The Iowa City Police Department tells me they get up to 30 scam reports a month, but they are generally the same scams that impact any city and are not directly targeted at tourists. As long as you don't try to buy scalped tickets to a game, you should be safe. If you notice a new scam attempt while you're there, call the police to report it.
There's a low risk of danger for women visiting here with a lot of upsides. Given the college nightlife vibe, you should really travel with a friend or use extra caution when someone buys you a drink or offers to walk you home. Don't go anywhere in private with someone you just met and don't walk around off the main roads at night, especially if you've been drinking.
While the Iowa River is at high risk for potential pollution, the water treatment plants fix all the concerns. At least, that's according to the 2021 Annual Water Quality Report. No violations were issued and all testing met or exceeded the requirements.
The visa process can take up to four months for full processing, so don't wait until the last minute. Once you go through Customs at the airport, you won't need your visa until the return flight.
You can only use the U.S. Dollar here. There isn't a need to carry cash as all places to spend money come with mobile payment options or credit card machines.
Dress for the season. Winter will require heavy coats and sweaters, but there might be a mild spell during your visit, so bring some layers. Summers are hot and humid. Dress in light, loose clothing and bring comfortable walking shoes as there are a lot of places to explore on foot here.
The Cedar Rapids airport is the closest one and it's less than 20 miles north of Iowa City. Any other airport is going to be at least a 50-mile drive.
Travel insurance is a great idea because the extreme weather possible throughout the year can easily mess up flight paths and travel plans.
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 31°F | 35°F | 49°F | 63°F | 73°F | 82°F | 85°F | 83°F | 76°F | 63°F | 48°F | 35°F |
| Temp | 22°F | 26°F | 38°F | 51°F | 62°F | 71°F | 75°F | 73°F | 65°F | 52°F | 39°F | 26°F |
| Low | 16°F | 20°F | 31°F | 42°F | 53°F | 62°F | 66°F | 64°F | 55°F | 43°F | 31°F | 20°F |
| Average | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 0°C | 1°C | 9°C | 17°C | 22°C | 27°C | 29°C | 28°C | 24°C | 17°C | 8°C | 1°C |
| Temp | -5°C | -3°C | 3°C | 10°C | 16°C | 21°C | 23°C | 22°C | 18°C | 11°C | 3°C | -3°C |
| Low | -8°C | -6°C | 0°C | 5°C | 11°C | 16°C | 18°C | 17°C | 12°C | 6°C | 0°C | -6°C |