Cost of Living in Adel, IA
Population 6,259 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Adel is a smaller Iowa community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $96,905 and housing costs ($321,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Adel sits roughly 20 miles west of Des Moines — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 74% higher than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Adel
The median home value in Adel is $320,500 — 5% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $842/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $96,905/year is 30% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Adel has a cost of living index of 89 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% less expensive.
Adel has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Adel, IA?
Adel has a cost index of 89 (100 = national average). It is 11% below the national average.
What is average rent in Adel, IA?
The median gross rent in Adel is $842 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Adel?
The median home value in Adel is $320,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Adel?
The median household income in Adel is $96,905 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Adel, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Adel is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Adel, IA affordable?
Yes, Adel is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 89 — about 11% below the US national average of 100.
Adel at a Glance
- Population
- 6,259
- Median Income
- $96,905
- Home Value
- $320,500
- Median Rent
- $842/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs