Cost of Living in Council Bluffs, IA
Population 62,564 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Council Bluffs can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $164,000 against $64,092 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Geographically, Council Bluffs sits roughly 11 miles east of Omaha. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Omaha's $230,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Council Bluffs
The median home value in Council Bluffs is $164,300 — 46% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $980/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,092/year is 14% 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%. Overall, Council Bluffs has a cost of living index of 62 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% 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
💨 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 Council Bluffs, IA?
Council Bluffs has a cost index of 62 (100 = national average). It is 38% below the national average.
What is average rent in Council Bluffs, IA?
The median gross rent in Council Bluffs is $980 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Council Bluffs?
The median home value in Council Bluffs is $164,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Council Bluffs?
The median household income in Council Bluffs is $64,092 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Council Bluffs, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Council Bluffs is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Council Bluffs, IA affordable?
Yes, Council Bluffs is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 62 — about 38% below the US national average of 100.
Council Bluffs at a Glance
- Population
- 62,564
- Median Income
- $64,092
- Home Value
- $164,300
- Median Rent
- $980/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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