Cost of Living in Merrill, IA

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A+
12%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
29%
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 Merrill Iowa National
Cost of living8889100
Groceries9697100
Health care9896100
Housing7174100
Transportation9897100
Utilities9195100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9295100
Household Items9697100
Education & Childcare9694100
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Homes For Sale In Merrill, IA

property for sale

23119 Jade Ave

Merrill, IA
property for sale

25324 Impala Ave

Merrill, IA
property for sale

LOT 16 Jade Ave

Merrill, IA
property for sale

LOT 19 Jade Ave

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

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Merrill is 1% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Merrill is 12% lower than the national average
  • Merrill housing is 29% 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 Merrill

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Compare Merrill, IA Cost of Living

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      The best places in Iowa

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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$108,199$9,017$2,524$3,246
      Renters$49,060$4,088$1,145$1,472

      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.
      Craig, IA438317.4%
      Struble, IA998317.1%
      Brunsville, IA1448316.6%
      Kingsley, IA1,4958713.3%
      Chatsworth, IA588712.6%
      Merrill, IA1,0568811.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      New Franklin, MO1,0568218.3%
      Luckey, OH1,0568811.7%
      Perth, NB1,056n/a 
      Saint-Benjamin, QC1,056n/a 
      Primghar, IA1,0578217.6%
      Merrill, IA1,0568811.6%
      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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