Cost of Living in Oskaloosa, IA
Population 11,492 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Oskaloosa a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $129,000.
Located 55 miles east of Des Moines, Oskaloosa is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Oskaloosa
The median home value in Oskaloosa is $128,900 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $880/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,172/year is 17% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.2%, 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 61.2°F and lows of 40.2°F, with about 23.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Oskaloosa has a cost of living index of 52 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 48% 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 | 32 | 37 | 50 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 64 | 50 | 37 |
| Low °F | 14 | 18 | 29 | 39 | 51 | 61 | 65 | 62 | 53 | 42 | 30 | 20 |
| Precip" | 1.01 | 1.41 | 2.24 | 3.75 | 5.03 | 5.38 | 3.87 | 4.44 | 3.50 | 2.81 | 2.09 | 1.44 |
| Snow" | 7.1 | 5.8 | 3.0 | 1.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 1.6 | 4.2 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Oskaloosa, IA?
Oskaloosa has a cost index of 52 (100 = national average). It is 48% below the national average.
What is average rent in Oskaloosa, IA?
The median gross rent in Oskaloosa is $880 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Oskaloosa?
The median home value in Oskaloosa is $128,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Oskaloosa?
The median household income in Oskaloosa is $62,172 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Oskaloosa, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Oskaloosa is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Oskaloosa, IA affordable?
Yes, Oskaloosa is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 52 — about 48% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Oskaloosa?
Oskaloosa has average high temperatures of 61.2°F and average lows of 40.2°F. Annual precipitation is 37". Average annual snowfall is 23.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Oskaloosa at a Glance
- Population
- 11,492
- Median Income
- $62,172
- Home Value
- $128,900
- Median Rent
- $880/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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