Cost of Living in Cedar Falls, IA
Population 40,662 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Cedar Falls cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $253,000, rents near $1,177 a month.
Cedar Falls is about 55 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 43% higher than Cedar Rapids' $177,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cedar Falls
The median home value in Cedar Falls is $252,500 — 17% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,177/month, 10% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,165/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, 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 59.3°F and lows of 38.7°F, with about 39.1" of annual snowfall. Overall, Cedar Falls has a cost of living index of 86 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% 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 | 28 | 33 | 47 | 61 | 73 | 82 | 85 | 83 | 77 | 63 | 47 | 34 |
| Low °F | 11 | 15 | 27 | 38 | 50 | 61 | 64 | 61 | 52 | 40 | 28 | 17 |
| Precip" | 1.10 | 1.14 | 1.98 | 4.04 | 4.61 | 5.72 | 4.34 | 4.17 | 3.14 | 2.76 | 1.85 | 1.44 |
| Snow" | 10.1 | 9.3 | 4.6 | 1.7 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 3.1 | 9.9 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cedar Falls, IA?
Cedar Falls has a cost index of 86 (100 = national average). It is 14% below the national average.
What is average rent in Cedar Falls, IA?
The median gross rent in Cedar Falls is $1,177 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cedar Falls?
The median home value in Cedar Falls is $252,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cedar Falls?
The median household income in Cedar Falls is $74,165 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cedar Falls, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cedar Falls is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Cedar Falls, IA affordable?
Yes, Cedar Falls is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 86 — about 14% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Cedar Falls?
Cedar Falls has average high temperatures of 59.3°F and average lows of 38.7°F. Annual precipitation is 36.3". Average annual snowfall is 39.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Cedar Falls at a Glance
- Population
- 40,662
- Median Income
- $74,165
- Home Value
- $252,500
- Median Rent
- $1,177/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.3°F
- 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