Cost of Living in Pella, IA
Population 10,624 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Pella a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $260,000. An unemployment rate of 1.1% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 40 miles east of Des Moines, Pella falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 41% higher than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Pella
The median home value in Pella is $259,600 — 15% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,041/month, 21% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $81,201/year is 9% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.1%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 59.5°F and lows of 39.6°F. Overall, Pella has a cost of living index of 83 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% 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 | 30 | 35 | 49 | 62 | 71 | 80 | 84 | 82 | 76 | 63 | 48 | 35 |
| Low °F | 13 | 17 | 28 | 39 | 51 | 61 | 64 | 61 | 53 | 41 | 29 | 19 |
| Precip" | 1.02 | 1.35 | 2.31 | 3.84 | 4.78 | 5.60 | 3.85 | 4.22 | 3.16 | 2.89 | 1.94 | 1.61 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Pella, IA?
Pella has a cost index of 83 (100 = national average). It is 17% below the national average.
What is average rent in Pella, IA?
The median gross rent in Pella is $1,041 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Pella?
The median home value in Pella is $259,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Pella?
The median household income in Pella is $81,201 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Pella, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Pella is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Pella, IA affordable?
Yes, Pella is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 83 — about 17% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Pella?
Pella has average high temperatures of 59.5°F and average lows of 39.6°F. Annual precipitation is 36.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Pella at a Glance
- Population
- 10,624
- Median Income
- $81,201
- Home Value
- $259,600
- Median Rent
- $1,041/mo
- Unemployment
- 1.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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