Cost of Living in Charles City, IA
Population 7,321 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Charles City is a smaller Iowa community of around 7000 residents, where median household incomes of $56,734 and housing costs ($119,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, Charles City is about 65 miles south of Rochester, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 59% lower than Rochester's $288,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Charles City
The median home value in Charles City is $118,900 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $628/month, 52% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,734/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, above 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, Charles City has a cost of living index of 43 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% less expensive.
Charles City 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 Charles City, IA?
Charles City has a cost index of 43 (100 = national average). It is 57% below the national average.
What is average rent in Charles City, IA?
The median gross rent in Charles City is $628 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Charles City?
The median home value in Charles City is $118,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Charles City?
The median household income in Charles City is $56,734 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Charles City, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Charles City is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Charles City, IA affordable?
Yes, Charles City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 43 — about 57% below the US national average of 100.
Charles City at a Glance
- Population
- 7,321
- Median Income
- $56,734
- Home Value
- $118,900
- Median Rent
- $628/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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