Cost of Living in Grinnell, IA
Population 9,527 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Grinnell can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $192,000 against $64,426 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Located 45 miles east of Des Moines, Grinnell falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Des Moines' $184,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Grinnell
The median home value in Grinnell is $191,700 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $876/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $64,426/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 58.2°F and lows of 37.2°F. Overall, Grinnell has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.
Grinnell 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 | 28 | 32 | 46 | 60 | 71 | 81 | 83 | 81 | 75 | 62 | 46 | 33 |
| Low °F | 10 | 14 | 26 | 37 | 49 | 59 | 62 | 60 | 51 | 39 | 26 | 16 |
| Precip" | 0.77 | 0.51 | 1.64 | 3.69 | 4.88 | 5.32 | 3.67 | 3.88 | 3.20 | 2.45 | 1.74 | 1.01 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Grinnell, IA?
Grinnell has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Grinnell, IA?
The median gross rent in Grinnell is $876 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Grinnell?
The median home value in Grinnell is $191,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Grinnell?
The median household income in Grinnell is $64,426 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Grinnell, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Grinnell is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Grinnell, IA affordable?
Yes, Grinnell is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Grinnell?
Grinnell has average high temperatures of 58.2°F and average lows of 37.2°F. Annual precipitation is 32.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Grinnell at a Glance
- Population
- 9,527
- Median Income
- $64,426
- Home Value
- $191,700
- Median Rent
- $876/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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