Cost of Living in Humboldt, IA
Population 4,761 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Humboldt stay well under national norms: a median home value of $163,000 against median household incomes of $70,661 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Iowa.
Located 85 miles northwest of Des Moines, Humboldt is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Humboldt
The median home value in Humboldt is $162,600 — 47% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $731/month, 44% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $70,661/year is 5% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.2%, 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, Humboldt has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.
Humboldt 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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Humboldt, IA?
Humboldt has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.
What is average rent in Humboldt, IA?
The median gross rent in Humboldt is $731 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Humboldt?
The median home value in Humboldt is $162,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Humboldt?
The median household income in Humboldt is $70,661 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Humboldt, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Humboldt is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Humboldt, IA affordable?
Yes, Humboldt is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.
Humboldt at a Glance
- Population
- 4,761
- Median Income
- $70,661
- Home Value
- $162,600
- Median Rent
- $731/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.2%
- 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