The cost of living is no joke right now, so check out these comparatively affordable cities in Iowa with lower rents, ranging from Mason City to Des Moines.
The cost of living has risen across the board in the U.S., and it affects us in Iowa just as much as it does those in California or New York. Home prices have skyrocketed, groceries have inflated to unthinkable levels, and everything else, from electricity to everyday household wares, is falling right in line. It’s clear to see that things aren’t exactly easy right now.
According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the median renter household income in Iowa is just $44,688, and the average rent payment that renters can afford across the state is $1,117. That probably seems quite low when you consider how high rent prices have gotten in recent years—and it is. You see, the minimum wage in Iowa is still $7.25, the federal floor that hasn’t been raised since 2009 (via the U.S. Department of Labor). With the nation’s economy struggling and wages having long stagnated, affording a living is challenging.
This is why we’re here to help break down areas in Iowa with cheaper rent than others. To accomplish this, we dug deeply into popular rental sites like Zillow to see which areas have the most affordable listings. We also took into account which areas had more listings than others. From this, we were able to glean some areas that may be safer bets to move to than others, hopefully giving you and your wallet a reprieve during these turbulent times.
1. Dubuque
There are many excellent “House Hunters” episodes set in Iowa, but you’re probably not going to find many set in Dubuque. This charming city is smaller than other popular hubs in the state, like Des Moines, with a population of nearly 59,000. Its medium size allows it to have some affordable rent alongside better job prospects than more rural towns (not that there’s anything wrong with opting for a smaller locale).
At the time of writing, some Zillow listings in the area are available for as little as $600 a month. Naturally, these are typically smaller pads, like one-bedroom apartments, but they’re perfect for single folks who need an affordable place to live. Compared to other cities in the state, Dubuque has more listings with these comparatively affordable monthly rents, so it’s worth checking out. Plus, the city has a ton of outdoors to explore, as well as excellent restaurants, so you won’t get bored quickly here.
2. Waterloo
Waterloo is another Iowa city with many cheaper Zillow listings at the time of writing. You may have heard it called Factory City because of its long history of manufacturing. Luckily, of course, factories aren’t the only buildings in the area; there are also plenty of rentable apartments and houses, and they’re cheaper than other areas throughout the state. We found several charming spaces costing around $600 a month.
Overall, Waterloo has a population of less than 68,000 people, so it’s another good option if a medium-sized city is on your radar. Plus, there are fascinating museums and refreshing theme parks in the area, so there’s always something to do. (We’re looking at you, John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum.)
3. Mason City
We’ve established two comparatively larger cities as affordable options in Iowa, but if you’re looking for something smaller, you should consider Mason City. This locale is beautiful, especially around the holidays with its corridors of lit-up Christmas trees and snow-capped buildings, and you won’t feel claustrophobic since the city’s population is just under 30,000.
Mason City has numerous Zillow listings at the time of writing, many of which have quite low rents. The apartments currently listed look like they could be brought to life with decorations rather nicely, and Mason City has some fun potential for outings, including the nearby Clear Lake. Mason City also has some standout small businesses to support, including delectable restaurants that locals truly adore.
4. Marion
Artists and art appreciators seeking affordable rent may want to consider Marion, home of the Marion Arts Festival. This serene city has a population of just over 42,000 people, and it’s managed to keep some housing affordable, with several Zillow listings priced around $600. This area, like Mason City, is also perfect for those who love the holidays, as Marion holds its Christmas in the Park event every single winter.
5. Parkersburg
Situated in northern Iowa, Parkersburg is home to over 50,000 people and has an innate charm that’s not easy to maintain. It’s picturesque in the fall, and its downtown area is perfect for walks with hot or iced coffee, depending on the season. Parkersburg also has some low-rent prices, including downtown, which isn’t typically the case elsewhere.
Outside of some affordable rentals, you may want to consider Parkersburg for its activities. There are great places to swim and camp here, as well as hangout spots like wineries. You can really have fun and grow roots here.
6. Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids might not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking about cheaper rent, but a shuffle through Zillow shows many current listings in the $500 to $600 range. And really, there’s no reason not to consider Cedar Rapids. There are endless outdoor opportunities for those who like hiking or being by the water, and there are plenty of good eats for those who prefer chatting over good bites and drinks.
7. Des Moines
Des Moines is the most populous city in Iowa by a long shot, with more than 214,000 residents. As such, you might not suspect that such a metropolitan area would have affordable rent—New York would never!—but our hunt through Zillow’s records shows that Des Moines has the most affordable listings in the state. There are even one-bedrooms for under $600!
So, if you’ve been wanting to make it to the city and see more of what life’s all about, Des Moines may just be the right next step.
