Cost of Living in Melbourne, IA

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A+
14%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
35%
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 Melbourne Iowa National
Cost of living8689100
Groceries9897100
Health care9596100
Housing6574100
Transportation9697100
Utilities9295100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9295100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare9094100
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Homes For Sale In Melbourne, IA

property for sale

502 Butler Ave

Melbourne, IA
property for sale

22 1st Ave

Melbourne, IA
property for sale

311 3rd Ave

Melbourne, IA
property for sale

212 3rd Ave

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

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Melbourne is 4% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Melbourne is 14% lower than the national average
  • Melbourne housing is 35% 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 Melbourne

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Compare Melbourne, IA Cost of Living

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      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$113,637$9,470$2,651$3,409
      Renters$49,812$4,151$1,162$1,495

      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.
      Clemons, IA1557722.8%
      Ferguson, IA1287821.6%
      Valeria, IA427920.8%
      Green Mountain, IA1868020.2%
      Laurel, IA2008118.9%
      Melbourne, IA7648614.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Clayhatchee, AL7648316.6%
      Hugo, CO764927.6%
      Coggon, IA7648812.0%
      New Harmony, IN7649010.3%
      Town of Pines, IN7648812.2%
      Melbourne, IA7648614.2%
      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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