Cost of Living in Johnston, IA
Population 24,196 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Johnston sits on the smaller end of the Iowa city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 1.8% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Geographically, Johnston sits roughly 10 miles northwest of Des Moines. Median home values run roughly 88% higher than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Johnston
The median home value in Johnston is $346,200 — 14% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,288/month, 2% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $103,430/year is 39% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.8%, 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, Johnston has a cost of living index of 107 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 7% more 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Johnston, IA?
Johnston has a cost index of 107 (100 = national average). It is 7% above the national average.
What is average rent in Johnston, IA?
The median gross rent in Johnston is $1,288 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Johnston?
The median home value in Johnston is $346,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Johnston?
The median household income in Johnston is $103,430 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Johnston, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Johnston is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Johnston, IA affordable?
Johnston is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 107 (100 = US average).
Johnston at a Glance
- Population
- 24,196
- Median Income
- $103,430
- Home Value
- $346,200
- Median Rent
- $1,288/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.8%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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