Cost of Living in Creston, IA
Population 7,466 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Creston is a smaller Iowa community of around 7000 residents, where median household incomes of $50,752 and housing costs ($113,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, Creston is about 55 miles southwest of Des Moines, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 39% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Creston
The median home value in Creston is $112,600 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $672/month, 49% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,752/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, 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, Creston has a cost of living index of 43 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% less expensive.
Creston 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 Creston, IA?
Creston has a cost index of 43 (100 = national average). It is 57% below the national average.
What is average rent in Creston, IA?
The median gross rent in Creston is $672 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Creston?
The median home value in Creston is $112,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Creston?
The median household income in Creston is $50,752 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Creston, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Creston is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Creston, IA affordable?
Yes, Creston is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 43 — about 57% below the US national average of 100.
Creston at a Glance
- Population
- 7,466
- Median Income
- $50,752
- Home Value
- $112,600
- Median Rent
- $672/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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