Cost of Living in Washington, IA
Population 7,314 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Washington sits on the smaller end of the Iowa city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Located 45 miles south of Cedar Rapids, Washington falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Cedar Rapids' $177,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Washington
The median home value in Washington is $144,500 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $927/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,536/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, 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 60.9°F and lows of 41.0°F. Overall, Washington has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less expensive.
Washington 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 | 31 | 36 | 50 | 63 | 73 | 83 | 86 | 84 | 78 | 64 | 49 | 36 |
| Low °F | 15 | 19 | 30 | 40 | 52 | 62 | 66 | 63 | 54 | 42 | 30 | 20 |
| Precip" | 1.04 | 1.21 | 2.21 | 3.76 | 4.48 | 5.29 | 3.91 | 3.94 | 3.24 | 2.98 | 2.17 | 1.45 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Washington, IA?
Washington has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.
What is average rent in Washington, IA?
The median gross rent in Washington is $927 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Washington?
The median home value in Washington is $144,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Washington?
The median household income in Washington is $56,536 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Washington, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Washington is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Washington, IA affordable?
Yes, Washington is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Washington?
Washington has average high temperatures of 60.9°F and average lows of 41.0°F. Annual precipitation is 35.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Washington at a Glance
- Population
- 7,314
- Median Income
- $56,536
- Home Value
- $144,500
- Median Rent
- $927/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.9°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