Cost of Living in Indianola, IA
Population 15,918 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Indianola stay well under national norms: a median home value of $228,000 against median household incomes of $78,125 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Iowa.
Indianola sits roughly 15 miles south of Des Moines — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 24% higher than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Indianola
The median home value in Indianola is $228,100 — 25% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $966/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,125/year is 5% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, 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, Indianola has a cost of living index of 74 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 26% less expensive.
🏠 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 Indianola, IA?
Indianola has a cost index of 74 (100 = national average). It is 26% below the national average.
What is average rent in Indianola, IA?
The median gross rent in Indianola is $966 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Indianola?
The median home value in Indianola is $228,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Indianola?
The median household income in Indianola is $78,125 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Indianola, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Indianola is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Indianola, IA affordable?
Yes, Indianola is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 74 — about 26% below the US national average of 100.
Indianola at a Glance
- Population
- 15,918
- Median Income
- $78,125
- Home Value
- $228,100
- Median Rent
- $966/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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