Cost of Living in West Burlington, IA

Population 3,184 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023

49
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

West Burlington's median household income of $48,289 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (23% here). The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.4% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 60 miles southwest of Davenport, West Burlington is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 22% lower than Davenport's $163,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 42
Rent 59

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in West Burlington

The median home value in West Burlington is $126,700 — 58% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $780/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,289/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.4%, 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 61.3°F and lows of 42.5°F. Overall, West Burlington has a cost of living index of 49 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 51% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$126,700
58% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$338,924
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$780/mo
41% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.5x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.6%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$646
1 BR
$716
2 BR
$877
3 BR
$1,170
4 BR
$1,287
Owner-occupied 66.5%
Renter-occupied 33.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$780
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,394/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
18.4 min
32% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.7%
Carpooled
15.4%
Public transit
2.4%
Walked
3.4%
Bicycle
1.4%
Work from home
2.4%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.7%
Total Sales Tax 6.9%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.9%
Property Tax 1.6%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$48,289
35% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,883
Unemployment Rate
1.4%
70% below avg
Poverty Rate
23.2%
Labor Force Participation
57.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.8%
Graduate degree 6.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.9
Male median age 26.7
Female median age 44.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.3°F
Avg Low
42.5°F
Annual Precip
37.9"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 323750637382858478655037
Low °F 162131425363666456443222
Precip" 1.451.692.433.924.934.874.023.773.533.092.291.87

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

84%
4-Year Graduation Rate
15.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
974
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in West Burlington, IA?

West Burlington has a cost index of 49 (100 = national average). It is 51% below the national average.

What is average rent in West Burlington, IA?

The median gross rent in West Burlington is $780 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in West Burlington?

The median home value in West Burlington is $126,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in West Burlington?

The median household income in West Burlington is $48,289 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in West Burlington, IA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Burlington is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.

Is West Burlington, IA affordable?

Yes, West Burlington is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 49 — about 51% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in West Burlington?

West Burlington has average high temperatures of 61.3°F and average lows of 42.5°F. Annual precipitation is 37.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

West Burlington at a Glance

Population
3,184
Median Income
$48,289
Home Value
$126,700
Median Rent
$780/mo
Unemployment
1.4%
Avg High Temp
61.3°F
Sales Tax
6.9%
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