Cost of Living in Algona, IA
Population 5,414 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Algona sits on the smaller end of the Iowa city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Algona lies roughly 110 miles north of the nearest major metro, Des Moines — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Algona
The median home value in Algona is $156,200 — 49% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $887/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,542/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.9%, 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, Algona has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.
Algona 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 Algona, IA?
Algona has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.
What is average rent in Algona, IA?
The median gross rent in Algona is $887 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Algona?
The median home value in Algona is $156,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Algona?
The median household income in Algona is $52,542 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Algona, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Algona is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Algona, IA affordable?
Yes, Algona is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.
Algona at a Glance
- Population
- 5,414
- Median Income
- $52,542
- Home Value
- $156,200
- Median Rent
- $887/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
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