Cost of Living in Houghton, IA

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

Get Access to 300+ Local Data Points
A+
9%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
26%
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 Houghton Iowa National
Cost of living9189100
Groceries9897100
Health care9996100
Housing7474100
Transportation10097100
Utilities9995100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10095100
Household Items10197100
Education & Childcare9594100
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 Houghton is 2% higher than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Houghton is 9% lower than the national average
  • Houghton housing is 26% 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 Houghton

See all the best places to live around Houghton

Compare Houghton, IA Cost of Living

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

      The best places in Iowa

      Here are the best places to live in IowaSee the best places to live in HoughtonSafest States In The USMost Dangerous Cities In The US
      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$141,427$11,786$3,300$4,243
      Renters$0$0$0$0

      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.
      Hillsboro, IA1947723.2%
      Farmington, IA6597920.9%
      Bonaparte, IA4718019.9%
      Rome, IA737921.3%
      Stockport, IA3727920.5%
      Houghton, IA108918.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Franklin CDP (Sacramento County), CA10813434.2%
      Arion, IA1087426.3%
      Carpenter, IA1088614.2%
      St. Donatus, IA108964.3%
      Unionville, IA1087921.3%
      Houghton, IA108918.6%
      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