Cost of Living in Muscatine, IA
Population 23,567 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Muscatine is a smaller Iowa community of around 24000 residents, where median household incomes of $59,332 and housing costs ($147,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Located 25 miles west of Davenport, Muscatine falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 10% lower than Davenport's $163,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Muscatine
The median home value in Muscatine is $146,900 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $979/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $59,332/year is 20% 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%. Overall, Muscatine has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% 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
💨 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 Muscatine, IA?
Muscatine has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Muscatine, IA?
The median gross rent in Muscatine is $979 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Muscatine?
The median home value in Muscatine is $146,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Muscatine?
The median household income in Muscatine is $59,332 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Muscatine, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Muscatine is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Muscatine, IA affordable?
Yes, Muscatine is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
Muscatine at a Glance
- Population
- 23,567
- Median Income
- $59,332
- Home Value
- $146,900
- Median Rent
- $979/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.5%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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