Cost of Living in Chelsea, IA

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24%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
68%
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 Chelsea Iowa National
Cost of living7689100
Groceries9697100
Health care9596100
Housing3274100
Transportation9797100
Utilities9995100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9695100
Household Items9597100
Education & Childcare9194100
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Homes For Sale In Chelsea, IA

property for sale

220 Sunset Ct

Chelsea, IA
property for sale

3070 Highway 30

Chelsea, IA
property for sale

2613 335th St

Chelsea, IA
See the Newest Homes For Sale In Chelsea, IA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Chelsea is 14% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Chelsea is 24% lower than the national average
  • Chelsea housing is 68% 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 Chelsea

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      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$63,704$5,309$1,486$1,911
      Renters$0$0$0$0

      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.
      Vining, IA857722.6%
      Elberon, IA1767821.6%
      Ladora, IA2317921.2%
      Hartwick, IA1368019.8%
      Garwin, IA6628118.7%
      Chelsea, IA2657623.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Holy Cross, AK2658910.5%
      St. Francis, AR2657524.8%
      Boone, CO265919.4%
      Ambrose, GA2658316.8%
      Pulaski, GA2658416.0%
      Chelsea, IA2657623.5%
      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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