Cost of Living in Carter Lake, IA

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A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
26%
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 Carter Lake Iowa National
Cost of living9189100
Groceries9997100
Health care10096100
Housing7474100
Transportation10297100
Utilities9595100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9595100
Household Items9997100
Education & Childcare10194100
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Homes For Sale In Carter Lake, IA

property for sale

1314 Lindwood Dr

Carter Lake, IA
property for sale

4408 N 17th St

Carter Lake, IA
property for sale

3510 N 9th St #203

Carter Lake, IA
property for sale

57 Carter Lake Clb

Carter Lake, IA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Carter Lake is 2% higher than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Carter Lake is 9% lower than the national average
  • Carter Lake housing is 26% 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 Carter Lake

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Compare Carter Lake, IA Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$107,451$8,954$2,507$3,224
      Renters$60,232$5,019$1,405$1,807
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Carter Lake, IA, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Carter Lake homeowners, is $107,451. This would allow for a maximum of $2,507 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $60,232 which would result in a maximum of $1,405 to be spent on rental costs.

      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.
      Richfield, NE14982.3%
      Boys Town, NE873991.2%
      Weston, IA144973.0%
      La Platte, NE139982.3%
      Loveland, IA0991.2%
      Carter Lake, IA3,891918.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Buckhead, GA3,89113030.2%
      Val Verde Park, TX3,8918614.1%
      Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA3,890283183.3%
      Warner County No. 5, AB3,892n/a 
      Fraser-Fort George A, BC3,892n/a 
      Carter Lake, IA3,891918.6%
      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.
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