Cost of Living in Clarinda, IA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $834 (excluding rent), and $2,507 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $1,982 (excluding rent), and $4,557 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$8.85 $8.85

$49.16 $49.16

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$40.01 $40.01

$120 $120

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.22 $12.22

$10.18 $10.18

$13.24 $13.24

Cappuccino

$4.04 $4.04

$2.53 $2.53

$7.58 $7.58

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.39 $2.39

$2.04 $2.04

$3.13 $3.13

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.91 $1.91

$1.51 $1.51

$3.02 $3.02

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.07 $6.07

$4.05 $4.05

$8.1 $8.1

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.12 $4.12

$8.93 $8.93

Milk (1 liter)

$0.8 $0.8

$1.47 $1.47

White Bread (500g)

$3.4 $3.4

$2.8 $2.8

$6.79 $6.79

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.11 $5.11

$2.09 $2.09

$9.08 $9.08

Eggs

$2.96 $2.96

$1.97 $1.97

$5.21 $5.21

Local Cheese (1kg)

$14.18 $14.18

$8.99 $8.99

$26.97 $26.97

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.72 $10.72

$5.59 $5.59

$18.31 $18.31

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.11 $13.11

$9.37 $9.37

$17.53 $17.53

Apples (1kg)

$4.42 $4.42

$1.51 $1.51

$5.41 $5.41

Banana (1kg)

$1.5 $1.5

$0.65 $0.65

$2.23 $2.23

Oranges (1kg)

$6.41 $6.41

$2.15 $2.15

$10.78 $10.78

Tomato (1kg)

$6.55 $6.55

$3.24 $3.24

$7.42 $7.42

Potato (1kg)

$3.56 $3.56

$1.67 $1.67

$6.22 $6.22

Onion (1kg)

$3.72 $3.72

$2.68 $2.68

$4.88 $4.88

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.27 $2.27

$1.89 $1.89

$3 $3

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.78 $2.78

$1.84 $1.84

$4.62 $4.62

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.01 $7.01

$6.61 $6.61

$12.02 $12.02

Wine (Bottle)

$15.39 $15.39

$9.46 $9.46

$27.62 $27.62

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.97 $1.97

$1.75 $1.75

$2.9 $2.9

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.31 $5.31

$1.58 $1.58

$7.97 $7.97

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.97 $1.97

$1.23 $1.23

$1.97 $1.97

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$29.56 $29.56

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.43 $2.43

$0.97 $0.97

$4.85 $4.85

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.26 $2.26

$1.33 $1.33

$3.18 $3.18

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$20.65 $20.65

$19.67 $19.67

$21.63 $21.63

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.82 $0.82

$0.74 $0.74

$0.88 $0.88

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$36.2K $36.2K

$34.9K $34.9K

$37.4K $37.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$26.1K $26.1K

$25.8K $25.8K

$27.1K $27.1K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$222 $222

$193 $193

$413 $413

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$35.17 $35.17

$100 $100

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$53.1 $53.1

$49.53 $49.53

$59.4 $59.4

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.19 $43.19

$17.58 $17.58

$50.2 $50.2

Cinema Ticket

$4.96 $4.96

$15.88 $15.88

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,385 $1,385

$1,067 $1,067

$2,049 $2,049

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$29.1K $29.1K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$53.1 $53.1

$30.07 $30.07

$80.2 $80.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$41.71 $41.71

$24.83 $24.83

$84.4 $84.4

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$105 $105

$75.1 $75.1

$125 $125

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$124 $124

$78.8 $78.8

$197 $197

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,616 $1,616

$1,211 $1,211

$1,874 $1,874

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,368 $1,368

$1,011 $1,011

$1,516 $1,516

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,580 $2,580

$1,962 $1,962

$2,943 $2,943

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,208 $2,208

$1,689 $1,689

$2,484 $2,484

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,074 $3,074

$2,255 $2,255

$3,074 $3,074

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,669 $2,669

$2,181 $2,181

$2,669 $2,669

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.5

6.19

6.8

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 1, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Clarinda, IA - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Clarinda, IA tends to be more affordable than many coastal cities and large metros, especially for housing and everyday goods. For many travelers, expats, and digital nomads, the appeal is a slower pace with reliable basics and a friendly local scene. This dynamic favors neighborhood charm and steady utilities over luxury options. Expect modest rents for walkable cores, lower dining-out costs, and predictable groceries, with transport leaning toward car travel or short local hops. Practical perks include a compact center, parks, and community events that reduce entertainment expenses. Tip: try a short stay across seasons to assess pace and costs.

In Clarinda, you’ll find a list of older homes, duplexes, and smaller apartments that are often affordable for longer stays; expect a straightforward search through local listings and word of mouth. Grocery options mix regional groceries, farm stands, and small markets, with home-cooked meals easing your budget. Transportation relies on a car for most errands, though downtown is walkable and a few routes connect to nearby towns. For work or study, cozy libraries and small coworking spaces can suit flexible schedules. If you’re budgeting, the Clarinda, IA living cost tends to stay steady thanks to modest rents and predictable utilities. Tip: plan a scouting trip to verify internet speeds and access.

Quality of life here comes from a mix of small-town charm, community resources, and practical budgeting. Start by choosing a neighborhood that fits your pace: the compact downtown for walkability, or quieter residential streets for longer-term stays. A simple budgeting approach – housing, groceries, utilities, and personal needs – helps you gauge where you’ll spend most. Embrace seasonal shifts: winter heating and summer cooling influence energy use, and local events can affect crowding and prices. Save by cooking at home, buying from farmers markets, and using the public library for wifi and study space. Tip: test internet reliability in a few favorite cafes before committing long-term.