Cost of Living in Cresco, IA

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A+
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
44%
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 Cresco Iowa National
Cost of living8789100
Groceries10097100
Health care9996100
Housing5674100
Transportation10297100
Utilities10895100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9695100
Household Items10097100
Education & Childcare10294100
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Homes For Sale In Cresco, IA

property for sale

631 Gillette Ave

Cresco, IA
property for sale

245 7th Ave W

Cresco, IA
property for sale

Cambridge St

, IA
property for sale

306 5th Ave W

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

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Cresco is 2% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Cresco is 13% lower than the national average
  • Cresco housing is 44% 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 Cresco

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Compare Cresco, IA Cost of Living

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      The best places in Iowa

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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$86,433$7,203$2,017$2,593
      Renters$50,407$4,201$1,176$1,512
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Cresco, 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 Cresco, the median monthly income is $86,433 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,017 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $50,407, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,176 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.
      Chester, IA1568218.0%
      Canton, MN4548317.0%
      Protivin, IA3858119.2%
      Lime Springs, IA6488614.4%
      Ridgeway, IA2638713.2%
      Cresco, IA3,8348712.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Larned, KS3,8348217.9%
      Glen Raven, NC3,834955.5%
      University, MS3,833963.8%
      Oneida, TN3,8338416.3%
      McGehee, AR3,8358316.8%
      Cresco, IA3,8348712.5%
      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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