A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
7%
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 Waverly Iowa National
Cost of living9589100
Groceries9597100
Health care9596100
Housing9374100
Transportation9697100
Utilities9595100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9595100
Household Items9897100
Education & Childcare9894100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Waverly, IA

Understanding the cost of living in Waverly can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Waverly cost of living index is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

The cost of living in Waverly is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Waverly Affordable?

Is Waverly an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Waverly, the median home price is 2.7% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 18.6% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Waverly come in at $97,900, which is 20.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Waverly?

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Waverly, the housing index is 7.5% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

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 Waverly, the utilities index registers at 5.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Waverly shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Waverly is 6% higher than the Iowa average
  • The cost of living in Waverly is 5% lower than the national average
  • Waverly housing is 7% 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 Waverly

See all the best places to live around Waverly

Compare Waverly, 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$119,314$9,943$2,784$3,580
      Renters$45,536$3,795$1,062$1,366
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Waverly 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. Waverly has a median income of about $119,314 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,784 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $45,536. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,062 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.
      Plainfield, IA4168316.7%
      Tripoli, IA1,3908515.5%
      New Hartford, IA8158515.2%
      Frederika, IA3278515.1%
      Clarksville, IA1,3918515.0%
      Waverly, IA10,459955.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Linthicum, MD10,45812626.1%
      Bois-des-Filion, QC10,460n/a 
      Quesnel, BC10,461n/a 
      Waynesville, NC10,454972.6%
      East Stroudsburg, PA10,453982.5%
      Waverly, IA10,459955.1%
      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.