Cost of Living in Charles City, IA

Get 300+ Local Insights for Any Address in Charles City, IA

Get Access to 300+ Local Data Points
A+
17%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
48%
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 Charles City Iowa National
Cost of living8389100
Groceries9597100
Health care9596100
Housing5274100
Transportation9697100
Utilities9595100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9595100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare9894100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

Homes For Sale In Charles City, IA

property for sale

3114 220th St

Charles City, IA
property for sale

507 9th St

Charles City, IA
property for sale

604 Hildreth St

Charles City, IA
property for sale

410 Clinton St

Charles City, IA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Charles City is 7% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Charles City is 17% lower than the national average
  • Charles City housing is 48% 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 Charles City

See all the best places to live around Charles City

Compare Charles City, IA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Charles City?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Charles City?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Charles City poll results

      The best places in Iowa

      Here are the best places to live in IowaSafest States In The USSafest Cities In The USThese are the largest cities in Iowa
      Best Places in Iowa

      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$98,103$8,175$2,289$2,943
      Renters$35,496$2,958$828$1,065
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Charles City, 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 Charles City have a median income of $98,103. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,289 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $35,496, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $828.

      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.
      Roseville, IA0964.1%
      Orchard, IA657624.1%
      Marble Rock, IA3297821.6%
      Alta Vista, IA2327821.5%
      Elma, IA5387921.3%
      Charles City, IA7,6248317.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ben Lomond, CA7,62419292.5%
      Hubbard, OH7,6228514.9%
      Hillcrest, NY7,62813939.1%
      DuBois, PA7,6288812.1%
      Kent, BC7,619n/a 
      Charles City, IA7,6248317.2%
      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.
      General
      For Professionals
      Follow Us
      AV on Twitter AV on Facebook
      © AreaVibes Inc. 2010-2026