A+
16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
49%
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 Keokuk Iowa National
Cost of living8489100
Groceries9897100
Health care9996100
Housing5174100
Transportation10097100
Utilities9995100
Lifestyle & Entertainment10095100
Household Items10197100
Education & Childcare9594100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Keokuk, IA

The cost of living in Keokuk affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Keokuk is 84, which is 16% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

It's not uncommon for housing expenses to eat up a substantial portion of your income, oten exceeding 30%. The good news is that Keokuk stands out by reporting housing costs that are 49.1% lower than the national average. This signifies that both homeownership and rental expenses in this region are considerably more affordable compared to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more manageable portion of their income to housing, resulting in greater financial flexibility.

Is Keokuk Affordable?

Is Keokuk affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Keokuk, the median home price is 58.3% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 27.8% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Keokuk boasting a median household income of $64,204, 21.1% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Keokuk?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Keokuk, the utilities index registers at 1.5% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Keokuk, the general sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates begin at 4.4%.

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Keokuk, the transportation index is 0.3% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Keokuk cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Keokuk is 6% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Keokuk is 16% lower than the national average
  • Keokuk housing is 49% 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 Keokuk

See all the best places to live around Keokuk

Compare Keokuk, IA Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$83,158$6,930$1,940$2,495
      Renters$33,191$2,766$774$996
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Keokuk is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Keokuk has a median income of about $83,158 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $1,940 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $33,191. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $774 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Basco, IL887525.0%
      West Point, IL2237623.8%
      Alexandria, MO1077623.6%
      Revere, MO367722.7%
      Elvaston, IL1588020.5%
      Keokuk, IA10,5568415.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Lantana, TX10,55614443.6%
      Bonham, TX10,5588712.7%
      Independence, OR10,55911111.2%
      Cottage Grove, OR10,5501076.5%
      Bee Ridge, FL10,56211616.4%
      Keokuk, IA10,5568415.7%
      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.