Cost of Living in Independence, IA
Population 6,149 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Independence stay well under national norms: a median home value of $157,000 against median household incomes of $72,250 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Iowa. An unemployment rate of 1.6% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Independence is about 35 miles northwest of Cedar Rapids, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than Cedar Rapids' $177,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Independence
The median home value in Independence is $156,900 — 49% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $769/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $72,250/year is 3% 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%. Overall, Independence has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.
Independence 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 Independence, IA?
Independence has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.
What is average rent in Independence, IA?
The median gross rent in Independence is $769 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Independence?
The median home value in Independence is $156,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Independence?
The median household income in Independence is $72,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Independence, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Independence is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Independence, IA affordable?
Yes, Independence is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.
Independence at a Glance
- Population
- 6,149
- Median Income
- $72,250
- Home Value
- $156,900
- Median Rent
- $769/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.6%
- 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