Cost of Living in Hiawatha, IA
Population 7,178 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Hiawatha offers a notably favorable income-to-housing ratio for its region. The typical home — $210,000 — costs less than 3.1 times median household income of $67,628, a threshold many coastal markets passed a decade ago. At 6.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Hiawatha sits roughly 6 miles north of Cedar Rapids — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 19% higher than Cedar Rapids' $177,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hiawatha
The median home value in Hiawatha is $210,200 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $846/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $67,628/year is 9% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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, Hiawatha has a cost of living index of 67 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% less expensive.
Hiawatha 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Hiawatha, IA?
Hiawatha has a cost index of 67 (100 = national average). It is 33% below the national average.
What is average rent in Hiawatha, IA?
The median gross rent in Hiawatha is $846 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hiawatha?
The median home value in Hiawatha is $210,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hiawatha?
The median household income in Hiawatha is $67,628 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hiawatha, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hiawatha is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Hiawatha, IA affordable?
Yes, Hiawatha is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 67 — about 33% below the US national average of 100.
Hiawatha at a Glance
- Population
- 7,178
- Median Income
- $67,628
- Home Value
- $210,200
- Median Rent
- $846/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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