Cost of Living in Atlantic, IA
Population 6,773 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Atlantic is a smaller Iowa community of around 7000 residents, where median household incomes of $57,486 and housing costs ($135,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Around 24% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 55 miles east of Omaha, Atlantic is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 41% lower than Omaha's $230,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Atlantic
The median home value in Atlantic is $134,900 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $750/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,486/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.6%, 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, Atlantic has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.
Atlantic 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 Atlantic, IA?
Atlantic has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.
What is average rent in Atlantic, IA?
The median gross rent in Atlantic is $750 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Atlantic?
The median home value in Atlantic is $134,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Atlantic?
The median household income in Atlantic is $57,486 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Atlantic, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Atlantic is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Atlantic, IA affordable?
Yes, Atlantic is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.
Atlantic at a Glance
- Population
- 6,773
- Median Income
- $57,486
- Home Value
- $134,900
- Median Rent
- $750/mo
- Unemployment
- 0.6%
- 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