Cost of Living in Burlington, IA
Population 23,800 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Burlington is a smaller Iowa community of around 24000 residents, where median household incomes of $55,274 and housing costs ($116,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, Burlington is about 60 miles southwest of Davenport, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Davenport's $163,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Burlington
The median home value in Burlington is $115,800 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $931/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,274/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 61.3°F and lows of 42.5°F. Overall, Burlington has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.
🏠 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 37 | 50 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 85 | 84 | 78 | 65 | 50 | 37 |
| Low °F | 16 | 21 | 31 | 42 | 53 | 63 | 66 | 64 | 56 | 44 | 32 | 22 |
| Precip" | 1.45 | 1.69 | 2.43 | 3.92 | 4.93 | 4.87 | 4.02 | 3.77 | 3.53 | 3.09 | 2.29 | 1.87 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Burlington, IA?
Burlington has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in Burlington, IA?
The median gross rent in Burlington is $931 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Burlington?
The median home value in Burlington is $115,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Burlington?
The median household income in Burlington is $55,274 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Burlington, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Burlington is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Burlington, IA affordable?
Yes, Burlington is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Burlington?
Burlington has average high temperatures of 61.3°F and average lows of 42.5°F. Annual precipitation is 37.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Burlington at a Glance
- Population
- 23,800
- Median Income
- $55,274
- Home Value
- $115,800
- Median Rent
- $931/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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Iowa Rankings
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