Cost of Living in Emerson, IA

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16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
47%
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 Emerson Iowa National
Cost of living8489100
Groceries9997100
Health care9496100
Housing5374100
Transportation9897100
Utilities9895100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9695100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare9694100
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Homes For Sale In Emerson, IA

property for sale

504 Harris St

Emerson, IA
property for sale

701 Lowell Ave

Emerson, IA
property for sale

602 Howland St

Emerson, IA
property for sale

1139 US-34

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

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Emerson is 6% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Emerson is 16% lower than the national average
  • Emerson housing is 47% 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 Emerson

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      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$86,892$7,241$2,027$2,607
      Renters$56,602$4,717$1,321$1,698

      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.
      Coburg, IA38973.0%
      Imogene, IA34982.3%
      Hastings, IA1577921.2%
      Essex, IA7918019.6%
      Elliott, IA5578218.4%
      Emerson, IA4758416.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Kwethluk, AK475946.2%
      Ripley, CA475981.9%
      Almena, KS4758119.0%
      Leon, KS4758416.4%
      Loch Lynn Heights, MD4758317.2%
      Emerson, IA4758416.1%
      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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