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CityLedger

Best places to live in Iowa

CityLedger tracks 5 Iowa metros, led by Des Moines. Cost of living runs from about 87 to 92 against a U.S. average of 100. Every figure below is computed from public U.S. government data and links to a full profile.

Lowest cost of living
Waterloo
87 (US=100)
Best value (real income)
Des Moines
$93,179
Highest livability
Des Moines
72/100
Safest from disasters
Des Moines
$9/$10k
MetroLivabilityCost of livingMedian incomeMedian rent
Des Moines, IA7292$85,446$1,178/mo
Iowa City, IA7092$75,225$1,099/mo
Cedar Rapids, IA6189$75,295$933/mo
Davenport, IA5689$71,446$971/mo
Waterloo, IA5687$72,382$1,047/mo

Browse every metro on the cities index or the rankings.