Cost of Living in Marshalltown, IA
Population 27,491 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Marshalltown can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $117,000 against $68,854 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Geographically, Marshalltown is about 50 miles northeast of Des Moines, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 36% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Marshalltown
The median home value in Marshalltown is $117,100 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $864/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,854/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 58.2°F and lows of 37.2°F. Overall, Marshalltown has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 28 | 32 | 46 | 60 | 71 | 81 | 83 | 81 | 75 | 62 | 46 | 33 |
| Low °F | 10 | 14 | 26 | 37 | 49 | 59 | 62 | 60 | 51 | 39 | 26 | 16 |
| Precip" | 0.77 | 0.51 | 1.64 | 3.69 | 4.88 | 5.32 | 3.67 | 3.88 | 3.20 | 2.45 | 1.74 | 1.01 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Marshalltown, IA?
Marshalltown has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.
What is average rent in Marshalltown, IA?
The median gross rent in Marshalltown is $864 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Marshalltown?
The median home value in Marshalltown is $117,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Marshalltown?
The median household income in Marshalltown is $68,854 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Marshalltown, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Marshalltown is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Marshalltown, IA affordable?
Yes, Marshalltown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Marshalltown?
Marshalltown has average high temperatures of 58.2°F and average lows of 37.2°F. Annual precipitation is 32.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Marshalltown at a Glance
- Population
- 27,491
- Median Income
- $68,854
- Home Value
- $117,100
- Median Rent
- $864/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs