Cost of Living in Red Oak, IA

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17%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
50%
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 Red Oak Iowa National
Cost of living8389100
Groceries9997100
Health care9496100
Housing5074100
Transportation9897100
Utilities9895100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9695100
Household Items9797100
Education & Childcare9694100
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Homes For Sale In Red Oak, IA

property for sale

1006 Highland Ave

Red Oak, IA
property for sale

1110 Circle Dr

Red Oak, IA
property for sale

901 E Corning St

Red Oak, IA
property for sale

505 E Washington Ave

Red Oak, IA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Red Oak is 7% lower than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Red Oak is 17% lower than the national average
  • Red Oak housing is 50% 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 Red Oak

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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$85,035$7,086$1,984$2,551
      Renters$40,454$3,371$944$1,214
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Red Oak, IA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Red Oak, homeowners have a median income of $85,035. Using that number, a maximum of $1,984 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $40,454, which means there is a maximum of $944 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Imogene, IA34982.3%
      Coburg, IA38973.0%
      Hepburn, IA107030.4%
      Grant, IA627426.2%
      Hastings, IA1577921.2%
      Red Oak, IA5,5128317.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Pennside, PA5,512991.5%
      Big Bear Lake, CA5,51313938.6%
      Osoyoos, BC5,513n/a 
      Glenwood, IA5,514937.2%
      Carlisle, OH5,515928.2%
      Red Oak, IA5,5128317.1%
      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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