Cost of Living in Estherville, IA
Population 5,865 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Estherville sits on the smaller end of the Iowa city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.6% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Estherville lies roughly 95 miles east of the nearest major metro, Sioux Falls. Median home values run roughly 65% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Estherville
The median home value in Estherville is $96,300 — 68% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $739/month, 44% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,624/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.6%, 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 54.7°F and lows of 34.6°F. Overall, Estherville has a cost of living index of 41 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 59% less expensive.
Estherville 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 23 | 28 | 41 | 56 | 69 | 79 | 81 | 79 | 73 | 59 | 42 | 28 |
| Low °F | 7 | 11 | 23 | 34 | 46 | 57 | 60 | 57 | 49 | 36 | 23 | 12 |
| Precip" | 0.56 | 0.46 | 1.45 | 3.13 | 4.50 | 4.57 | 3.76 | 3.31 | 3.14 | 2.47 | 1.37 | 0.54 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Estherville, IA?
Estherville has a cost index of 41 (100 = national average). It is 59% below the national average.
What is average rent in Estherville, IA?
The median gross rent in Estherville is $739 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Estherville?
The median home value in Estherville is $96,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Estherville?
The median household income in Estherville is $54,624 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Estherville, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Estherville is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Estherville, IA affordable?
Yes, Estherville is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 41 — about 59% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Estherville?
Estherville has average high temperatures of 54.7°F and average lows of 34.6°F. Annual precipitation is 29.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Estherville at a Glance
- Population
- 5,865
- Median Income
- $54,624
- Home Value
- $96,300
- Median Rent
- $739/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 54.7°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