B
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
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 Clive Iowa National
Cost of living11089100
Groceries10097100
Health care9796100
Housing14074100
Transportation9897100
Utilities9795100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9895100
Household Items9697100
Education & Childcare9794100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Clive, IA

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Clive? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Clive stands at 110, making it 10% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Clive cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 39.6% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Clive Affordable?

Is Clive affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Clive, for instance, where the median home price falls 57.6% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 2.5% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Clive flaunting a median household income of $158,563, 95% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Clive?

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Clive, the groceries index is 0.5% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Clive, the utilities index registers at 2.7% 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 Clive, the general sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates begin at 4.4%.

Where is the Data From?

The Clive cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Clive is 24% higher than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Clive is 10% higher than the national average
  • Clive housing is 40% higher 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 Clive

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Compare Clive, 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$198,015$16,501$4,620$5,941
      Renters$75,386$6,282$1,759$2,262
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Clive, IA, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Clive, the median monthly income is $198,015 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $4,620 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $75,386, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,759 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Spring Hill, IA498614.5%
      Minburn, IA4138811.6%
      Elkhart, IA709919.2%
      De Soto, IA1,011928.3%
      Des Moines, IA221,968918.5%
      Clive, IA17,63311010.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lake Mary, FL17,63412827.8%
      Colonial Heights, VA17,6311032.9%
      Mattoon, IL17,6378416.0%
      Lebanon, OR17,6261055.1%
      North Canton, OH17,640936.8%
      Clive, IA17,63311010.4%
      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.