Cost of Living in Fort Madison, IA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,125 (excluding rent), and $2,561 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,638 (excluding rent), and $4,929 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.94 $18.94

$11.96 $11.96

$35.12 $35.12

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$75.6 $75.6

$50.4 $50.4

$126 $126

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.96 $10.96

$9.92 $9.92

$13.95 $13.95

Cappuccino

$5.13 $5.13

$3.53 $3.53

$8.07 $8.07

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

$2.60 $2.60

$2.05 $2.05

$4.10 $4.10

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.03 $2.03

$1.53 $1.53

$3.05 $3.05

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.15 $6.15

$4.10 $4.10

$8.72 $8.72

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.16 $7.16

$5.11 $5.11

$10.22 $10.22

Milk (1 liter)

$0.99 $0.99

$0.74 $0.74

$1.41 $1.41

White Bread (500g)

$3.55 $3.55

$2.17 $2.17

$5.57 $5.57

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.34 $4.34

$2.08 $2.08

$8.58 $8.58

Eggs

$4.28 $4.28

$2.04 $2.04

$7.14 $7.14

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.17 $12.17

$6.95 $6.95

$21.88 $21.88

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.67 $11.67

$6.22 $6.22

$20.13 $20.13

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.53 $15.53

$9.98 $9.98

$24.41 $24.41

Apples (1kg)

$4.89 $4.89

$2.55 $2.55

$8.79 $8.79

Banana (1kg)

$1.61 $1.61

$1.11 $1.11

$4.20 $4.20

Oranges (1kg)

$4.28 $4.28

$2.22 $2.22

$8.89 $8.89

Tomato (1kg)

$4.79 $4.79

$2.23 $2.23

$8.94 $8.94

Potato (1kg)

$2.79 $2.79

$1.30 $1.30

$6.03 $6.03

Onion (1kg)

$2.90 $2.90

$1.87 $1.87

$4.51 $4.51

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.08 $2.08

$1.40 $1.40

$3.03 $3.03

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.19 $2.19

$1.22 $1.22

$3.31 $3.31

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.51 $9.51

$7.93 $7.93

$11.90 $11.90

Wine (Bottle)

$15.11 $15.11

$10.06 $10.06

$25.18 $25.18

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.85 $1.85

$1.77 $1.77

$2.93 $2.93

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.35 $3.35

$1.59 $1.59

$5.98 $5.98

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.95 $1.95

$1.22 $1.22

$1.95 $1.95

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.46 $3.46

$2.97 $2.97

$4.95 $4.95

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.57 $1.57

$1.51 $1.51

$2.11 $2.11

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.56 $29.56

$26.74 $26.74

$35.44 $35.44

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.84 $0.84

$0.74 $0.74

$0.99 $0.99

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

$30.1K $30.1K

$24.1K $24.1K

$36.6K $36.6K

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

$25.7K $25.7K

$25.1K $25.1K

$27.1K $27.1K

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

$185 $185

$119 $119

$339 $339

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

$52.0 $52.0

$29.50 $29.50

$98.4 $98.4

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$67.0 $67.0

$49.37 $49.37

$98.7 $98.7

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.18 $43.18

$17.57 $17.57

$50.2 $50.2

Cinema Ticket

$13.57 $13.57

$11.06 $11.06

$18.10 $18.10

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

$1,298 $1,298

$1,000 $1,000

$1,846 $1,846

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.1K $23.1K

$16.6K $16.6K

$26.9K $26.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$50.2 $50.2

$29.45 $29.45

$78.5 $78.5

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$39.96 $39.96

$24.97 $24.97

$64.9 $64.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$86.8 $86.8

$60.1 $60.1

$130 $130

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$110 $110

$63.2 $63.2

$197 $197

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,593 $1,593

$1,193 $1,193

$1,846 $1,846

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,375 $1,375

$1,016 $1,016

$1,524 $1,524

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,596 $2,596

$1,974 $1,974

$2,961 $2,961

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,244 $2,244

$1,717 $1,717

$2,525 $2,525

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,397 $2,397

$1,745 $1,745

$2,397 $2,397

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,593 $2,593

$2,098 $2,098

$2,593 $2,593

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

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

Last update: February 28, 2026

Fort Madison, IA Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Fort Madison, IA - Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Madison offers a balance of small-city charm and practical costs. In general, Cost of Living in Fort Madison, IA, United States feels moderate when you compare housing, groceries, and utilities to larger U.S. markets. You will find more affordable rent than in big metro areas, plus a slower pace that helps budgeting over longer stays. Dining and entertainment tend toward casual options and local events that stretch a dollar. The community size keeps everyday errands manageable, and seasonality influences activity, not price spikes. Tip: Consider a longer stay to land more favorable rates on lodging and workspace.

Daily life centers on a friendly, compact footprint. Housing options range from modest rentals to single-family homes in walkable neighborhoods, with rents and terms that feel predictable rather than volatile. Local groceries, farmers markets, and casual eateries cover everyday needs, and seasonal markets bring fresh produce into the week. Getting around happens by car or bike, with quiet streets and occasional public transit routes. If you work remotely, libraries and small coworking hubs offer affordable space. Fort Madison, IA, United States living cost remains sensible for steady routines. Tip: Build a weekly shop-and-errand route to save time and fuel.

Quality of life in Fort Madison centers on pace, accessibility, and community. A simple budgeting framework – track essentials, plan meals around seasonal produce, and reserve a small buffer for occasional activities – keeps things comfortable. Save by cooking at home, taking advantage of local markets, and choosing neighborhoods with mixed amenities within a short walk. Seasonality brings outdoor events in warmer months and cozy indoor options in winter, with predictable demand for services rather than spikes. For neighborhood fit, look for areas near the riverfront or historic districts that offer safe walking routes and a sense of local character. Tip: Map a month-by-month plan to balance big goals with small, repeating wins.