Cost of Living in Harlan, IA

Get 300+ Local Insights for Any Address in Harlan, IA

Get Access to 300+ Local Data Points
A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
34%
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 Harlan Iowa National
Cost of living8889100
Groceries9997100
Health care9496100
Housing6674100
Transportation9897100
Utilities9895100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9695100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare9694100
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

Homes For Sale In Harlan, IA

property for sale

1220 Cyclone Ave

Harlan, IA
property for sale

1620 Willow St

Harlan, IA
property for sale

1308 Durant St

Harlan, IA
property for sale

959 Oak Rd

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

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Harlan is 2% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Harlan is 12% lower than the national average
  • Harlan housing is 34% 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 Harlan

See all the best places to live around Harlan

Compare Harlan, IA Cost of Living

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

      The best places in Iowa

      Here are the best places to live in IowaCheck out the 10 safest cities in IowaThese are the largest cities in IowaThese are the 10 cheapest cities in Iowa
      Best Places in Iowa

      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$100,487$8,374$2,345$3,015
      Renters$37,976$3,165$886$1,139
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Harlan, IA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Harlan, homeowners have a median income of $100,487. Using that number, a maximum of $2,345 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $37,976, which means there is a maximum of $886 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Corley, IA7973.0%
      Jacksonville, IA10973.0%
      Kimballton, IA2828020.0%
      Tennant, IA788019.8%
      Irwin, IA3368119.2%
      Harlan, IA4,9178812.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Nashville, GA4,9178415.9%
      Morganville, NJ4,91715656.2%
      Bigfork, MT4,91813232.0%
      Colville, WA4,9151098.6%
      Evansdale, IA4,9198713.5%
      Harlan, IA4,9178812.4%
      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.
      General
      For Professionals
      Follow Us
      AV on Twitter AV on Facebook
      © AreaVibes Inc. 2010-2026