Cost of Living in Perry, IA
Population 7,928 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Perry stay well under national norms: a median home value of $122,000 against median household incomes of $63,983 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Iowa. At 7.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Perry is about 30 miles northwest of Des Moines, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 34% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Perry
The median home value in Perry is $122,100 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $877/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $63,983/year is 14% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.7%, above 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, Perry has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.
Perry 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 Perry, IA?
Perry has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.
What is average rent in Perry, IA?
The median gross rent in Perry is $877 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Perry?
The median home value in Perry is $122,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Perry?
The median household income in Perry is $63,983 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Perry, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Perry is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Perry, IA affordable?
Yes, Perry is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.
Perry at a Glance
- Population
- 7,928
- Median Income
- $63,983
- Home Value
- $122,100
- Median Rent
- $877/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.7%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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