Cost of Living in Story City, IA
Population 3,363 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Story City can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $206,000 against $73,558 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Geographically, Story City is about 40 miles north of Des Moines, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 12% higher than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Story City
The median home value in Story City is $205,800 — 33% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $956/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,558/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, 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, Story City has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.
Story City 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 Story City, IA?
Story City has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Story City, IA?
The median gross rent in Story City is $956 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Story City?
The median home value in Story City is $205,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Story City?
The median household income in Story City is $73,558 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Story City, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Story City is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Story City, IA affordable?
Yes, Story City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
Story City at a Glance
- Population
- 3,363
- Median Income
- $73,558
- Home Value
- $205,800
- Median Rent
- $956/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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