A+
19%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
53%
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 Garwin Iowa National
Cost of living8189100
Groceries9597100
Health care9596100
Housing4774100
Transportation9697100
Utilities9595100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9595100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare9894100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Garwin is 9% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Garwin is 19% lower than the national average
  • Garwin housing is 53% 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 Garwin

See all the best places to live around Garwin

Compare Garwin, IA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Garwin?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Garwin?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Garwin poll results

      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$79,014$6,585$1,844$2,371
      Renters$34,118$2,843$796$1,024

      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.
      Chelsea, IA2657623.5%
      Vining, IA857722.6%
      Ferguson, IA1287821.6%
      Green Mountain, IA1868020.2%
      Gilman, IA5558119.4%
      Garwin, IA6628118.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mount Auburn, IL6628515.4%
      Clarks Grove, MN6628910.5%
      Walpole, NH66212626.3%
      Rodey, NM662982.1%
      Eldred, PA662919.0%
      Garwin, IA6628118.7%
      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.