Cost of Living in Spirit Lake, IA
Population 5,469 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Spirit Lake stay well under national norms: a median home value of $218,000 against median household incomes of $73,627 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Iowa. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.2% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Geographically, Spirit Lake lies roughly 80 miles east of the nearest major metro, Sioux Falls. Median home values run roughly 20% lower than Sioux Falls' $271,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Spirit Lake
The median home value in Spirit Lake is $218,400 — 28% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $885/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,627/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.2%, 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 57.4°F and lows of 36.2°F. Overall, Spirit Lake has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.
Spirit Lake 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 26 | 30 | 44 | 59 | 71 | 81 | 85 | 82 | 76 | 61 | 45 | 31 |
| Low °F | 8 | 13 | 25 | 36 | 48 | 59 | 62 | 59 | 50 | 37 | 25 | 14 |
| Precip" | 0.25 | 0.43 | 1.44 | 2.82 | 3.83 | 4.01 | 3.84 | 3.29 | 3.21 | 2.22 | 1.07 | 0.42 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Spirit Lake, IA?
Spirit Lake has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Spirit Lake, IA?
The median gross rent in Spirit Lake is $885 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Spirit Lake?
The median home value in Spirit Lake is $218,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Spirit Lake?
The median household income in Spirit Lake is $73,627 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Spirit Lake, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Spirit Lake is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Spirit Lake, IA affordable?
Yes, Spirit Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Spirit Lake?
Spirit Lake has average high temperatures of 57.4°F and average lows of 36.2°F. Annual precipitation is 26.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Spirit Lake at a Glance
- Population
- 5,469
- Median Income
- $73,627
- Home Value
- $218,400
- Median Rent
- $885/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs