Cost of Living in Iowa City, IA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,121 (excluding rent), and $2,326 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,133 (excluding rent), and $4,204 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.76 $14.76

$4.43 $4.43

$19.68 $19.68

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$76 $76

$50.7 $50.7

$152 $152

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$8.81 $8.81

$7.83 $7.83

$14.68 $14.68

Cappuccino

$5.11 $5.11

$3.99 $3.99

$7.33 $7.33

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

$2.45 $2.45

$2.04 $2.04

$4.08 $4.08

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.76 $1.76

$1.46 $1.46

$2.91 $2.91

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.97 $4.97

$2.98 $2.98

$7.94 $7.94

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.85 $6.85

$4.89 $4.89

$8.81 $8.81

Milk (1 liter)

$0.85 $0.85

$0.7 $0.7

$1.12 $1.12

White Bread (500g)

$2.72 $2.72

$1.59 $1.59

$7.83 $7.83

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.83 $4.83

$2.01 $2.01

$7.66 $7.66

Eggs

$4.06 $4.06

$2.01 $2.01

$6.03 $6.03

Local Cheese (1kg)

$9.46 $9.46

$20.19 $20.19

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.34 $10.34

$5.79 $5.79

$19.48 $19.48

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$16.81 $16.81

$7.87 $7.87

$22.49 $22.49

Apples (1kg)

$3.38 $3.38

$2.65 $2.65

$8.89 $8.89

Banana (1kg)

$1.17 $1.17

$1.06 $1.06

$2.36 $2.36

Oranges (1kg)

$2.71 $2.71

$1.51 $1.51

$12.42 $12.42

Tomato (1kg)

$4.62 $4.62

$2.15 $2.15

$8.65 $8.65

Potato (1kg)

$1.97 $1.97

$1.48 $1.48

$3.43 $3.43

Onion (1kg)

$2.81 $2.81

$1.66 $1.66

$4.37 $4.37

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.52 $1.52

$2.57 $2.57

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.04 $2.04

$1.43 $1.43

$3.06 $3.06

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.09 $9.09

$8.08 $8.08

$12.12 $12.12

Wine (Bottle)

$14.38 $14.38

$10.05 $10.05

$30.16 $30.16

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.7 $1.7

$2.95 $2.95

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.67 $4.67

$2.25 $2.25

$6.85 $6.85

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.95 $1.95

$1.22 $1.22

$1.95 $1.95

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$15.69 $15.69

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.61 $4.61

$6.15 $6.15

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.22 $2.22

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$42.6 $42.6

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.81 $0.81

$0.69 $0.69

$0.96 $0.96

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

$25.3K $25.3K

$23.4K $23.4K

$36.1K $36.1K

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

$25.3K $25.3K

$24.6K $24.6K

$26K $26K

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

$219 $219

$151 $151

$393 $393

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

$51 $51

$40.03 $40.03

$90.1 $90.1

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$75.9 $75.9

$50.7 $50.7

$152 $152

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$49.75 $49.75

$10.08 $10.08

$101 $101

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$19.6 $19.6

Cinema Ticket

$12.15 $12.15

$28.35 $28.35

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

$1,287 $1,287

$1,016 $1,016

$1,742 $1,742

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$24.5K $24.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$66.7 $66.7

$50 $50

$98.1 $98.1

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$47.56 $47.56

$29.51 $29.51

$77.8 $77.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$98.2 $98.2

$58.9 $58.9

$137 $137

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$114 $114

$64.2 $64.2

$173 $173

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,216 $1,216

$864 $864

$2,468 $2,468

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,110 $1,110

$1,009 $1,009

$1,211 $1,211

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,339 $2,339

$1,521 $1,521

$3,436 $3,436

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,548 $1,548

$1,208 $1,208

$1,762 $1,762

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$3,809 $3,809

$1,892 $1,892

$7,578 $7,578

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$1,957 $1,957

$1,935 $1,935

$2,001 $2,001

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,627 $3,627

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.43

6.19

7.3

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

Last update: November 23, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Iowa City, IA - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with many urban centers, Iowa City offers a walkable, compact feel with affordable everyday costs for those who plan around housing type and campus calendars. Groceries and casual dining are practical to budget, while rent varies by neighborhood and unit type. For digital nomads, reliable internet and coworking options add value, especially near downtown or the university district. Seasonal activity around the university calendar can influence housing demand and vibrancy in the core areas. Overall, Cost of Living in Iowa City, IA, United States tends to be manageable for extended stays when you choose a sensible housing setup and transit plan. Tip: Start with neighborhoods close to work or study hubs and test transit options before committing.

Daily life hinges on where you stay and how you move. In Iowa City, you’ll find a range of apartments near campus, with many options reachable by bike or bus. Grocery runs are efficient on foot from central neighborhoods, and there are farmers markets and casual eateries for budget-friendly meals. For work and collaboration, look at neighborhood coworking spaces or library zones; high-speed internet is common. Errands flow smoothly in the core districts, but plan occasional trips to larger retail areas in Coralville if you need broader options. Iowa City, IA, United States living cost can influence selection, so balance rent with transit and amenities. Tip: test commute times at different hours to find your ideal balance.

Quality of life in Iowa City hinges on pace, access to outdoors, and a solid university-side social scene. Favor neighborhoods that match your work style: downtown for easy dining and coworking, Northside for calmer streets and parks, or near the hospital district for shorter commutes. A simple budgeting framework helps: lock in housing and utilities first, then allocate for groceries, transit, and social activities. Take advantage of libraries, free public events, and seasonal farmers markets to stretch your budget. In winter, prepare for chilly commutes and in-season college sports, which can shift crowds and noise. Tip: plan a test week in your top two neighborhoods to compare noise, walkability, and access to everyday services before signing a lease.