Cost of Living in Lester, IA

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A+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
17%
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 Lester Iowa National
Cost of living9289100
Groceries9897100
Health care9596100
Housing8374100
Transportation9397100
Utilities10495100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9395100
Household Items9597100
Education & Childcare9894100
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Homes For Sale In Lester, IA

property for sale

510 Prairie Ln

Lester, IA
property for sale

Tbd N/A

Lester, IA
property for sale

703 Meadowview Dr

Lester, IA
property for sale

509 Prairie LN

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

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Lester is 3% higher than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Lester is 8% lower than the national average
  • Lester housing is 17% 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 Lester

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      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$107,200$8,933$2,501$3,216
      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.
      Alvord, IA2218020.4%
      Steen, MN1448218.0%
      Magnolia, MN1988316.9%
      Inwood, IA1,0218811.8%
      Doon, IA6478811.7%
      Lester, IA287927.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Crowley, CO2878812.4%
      Harrison, ID28711110.8%
      Seaton, IL2878118.6%
      Olsburg, KS2878416.1%
      Bigelow, MN2878911.0%
      Lester, IA287927.6%
      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.
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