A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
32%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Boone Iowa National
Cost of living8789100
Groceries9897100
Health care9596100
Housing6874100
Transportation9697100
Utilities9295100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9295100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare9094100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Boone, IA

Understanding the cost of living in Boone can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Boone cost of living index is 87, which is 13% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

Is Boone Affordable?

Is Boone an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Boone, the median home price is 36% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 21.5% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Boone come in at $90,131, which is 10.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Boone?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Boone, healthcare costs are 5% lower than the national average.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Boone, the groceries index is 2.5% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Boone, the utilities index stands at 8.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Boone cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Boone is 3% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Boone is 13% lower than the national average
  • Boone housing is 32% lower than the national average
  • Iowa general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Iowa state income tax is 69% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Boone

See all the best places to live around Boone

Compare Boone, IA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$109,194$9,100$2,548$3,276
      Renters$49,792$4,149$1,162$1,494
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Boone, IA, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Boone have a median income of $109,194. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,548 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $49,792, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,162.

      Iowa Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Iowa 6% 7%

      Iowa Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Iowa 4.4% 6%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Berkley, IA9955.3%
      Beaver, IA697525.2%
      Pilot Mound, IA1647822.5%
      Bouton, IA1698020.3%
      Boxholm, IA1588020.3%
      Boone, IA12,8258713.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Winnetka, IL12,825215114.9%
      Cheney, WA12,81611313.1%
      Irmo, SC12,834981.8%
      North St. Paul, MN12,8351065.5%
      Urbana, MD12,81115958.9%
      Boone, IA12,8258713.2%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.