A+
15%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
40%
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 Clinton Iowa National
Cost of living8589100
Groceries9797100
Health care9796100
Housing6074100
Transportation9797100
Utilities9395100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9695100
Household Items9697100
Education & Childcare9794100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Clinton, IA

Understanding the cost of living in Clinton 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 Clinton cost of living index is 85, which is 15% 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.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Clinton?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 80 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Clinton. The results indicated that 18% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 83% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Clinton Affordable?

Wondering if Clinton is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Clinton, for example, the median home price is 43.2% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 32.5% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Clinton boasting a median household income of $68,321, which is 16% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Clinton?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Clinton, healthcare costs are 2.9% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Clinton, the general sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates begin at 4.4%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Clinton shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Clinton is 4% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Clinton is 15% lower than the national average
  • Clinton housing is 40% 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 Clinton

See all the best places to live around Clinton

Compare Clinton, IA Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$85,832$7,153$2,003$2,575
      Renters$37,708$3,142$880$1,131
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Clinton, 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 Clinton homeowners, is $85,832. This would allow for a maximum of $2,003 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $37,708 which would result in a maximum of $880 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.
      Andover, IA1668218.2%
      Charlotte, IA3928416.4%
      Low Moor, IA3398415.5%
      Lyndon, IL6168515.4%
      Miles, IA4038514.9%
      Clinton, IA25,8048514.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ridgewood, NJ25,81018180.9%
      Cave Spring, VA25,8141077.3%
      De Pere, WI25,789991.5%
      Belvidere, IL25,8318910.7%
      Edwardsville, IL25,8391066.1%
      Clinton, IA25,8048514.6%
      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.