Cost of Living in Manchester, IA
Population 5,144 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Manchester is a smaller Iowa community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $58,578 and housing costs ($131,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Located 40 miles northeast of Cedar Rapids, Manchester falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 26% lower than Cedar Rapids' $177,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Manchester
The median home value in Manchester is $130,500 — 57% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $743/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,578/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, 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, Manchester has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
Manchester 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 Manchester, IA?
Manchester has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Manchester, IA?
The median gross rent in Manchester is $743 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Manchester?
The median home value in Manchester is $130,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Manchester?
The median household income in Manchester is $58,578 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Manchester, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Manchester is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Manchester, IA affordable?
Yes, Manchester is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
Manchester at a Glance
- Population
- 5,144
- Median Income
- $58,578
- Home Value
- $130,500
- Median Rent
- $743/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.1%
- 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