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A good salary in Iowa provides strong purchasing power due to affordable housing and overall low cost of living.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, Iowa average | $48,000-$62,000 | $38,000-$48,000 |
| Single in Des Moines | $52,000-$68,000 | $42,000-$52,000 |
| Single in Iowa City | $50,000-$65,000 | $40,000-$50,000 |
| Family of 4 | $78,000-$100,000 | $62,000-$78,000 |
Key advantage: Iowa’s cost of living is 10% below the national average with very affordable housing.
Why Iowa Is Affordable
Iowa benefits from:
- Very low housing costs (median home price ~$215,000)
- Stable economy anchored by insurance, agriculture, and manufacturing
- Low crime rates in most areas
- Strong schools and community infrastructure
Good Salary by Iowa City
Des Moines
Des Moines is Iowa’s capital and largest city with a strong job market.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $35,000 | $58,000 |
| Comfortable | $48,000 | $78,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $65,000+ | $105,000+ |
Median home price: ~$275,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,100/month
Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids is Iowa’s second-largest city with a manufacturing base.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $32,000 | $55,000 |
| Comfortable | $45,000 | $72,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $58,000+ | $95,000+ |
Median home price: ~$220,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$950/month
Iowa City
Iowa City is a college town with slightly higher costs and a younger population.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $35,000 | $58,000 |
| Comfortable | $48,000 | $78,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $62,000+ | $100,000+ |
Median home price: ~$290,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,050/month
Davenport/Quad Cities
Quad Cities metro offers affordable living on the Mississippi River.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $30,000 | $52,000 |
| Comfortable | $42,000 | $68,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $55,000+ | $88,000+ |
Median home price: ~$185,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$850/month
How Much House Can You Afford in Iowa?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $48,000 | $175,000-$195,000 |
| $62,000 | $230,000-$250,000 |
| $78,000 | $290,000-$320,000 |
| $100,000 | $380,000-$420,000 |
Iowa vs. Other States
| State | $60K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $48,500 | 90 |
| Nebraska | $49,000 | 92 |
| Minnesota | $47,800 | 98 |
| Illinois | $47,600 | 94 |
Iowa’s affordable housing offsets moderate income tax.
Iowa State Income Tax
Iowa has been reforming its tax system with a flat tax of 3.9% (as of 2026):
- Reduced from previous graduated system (up to 8.53%)
- Significant tax savings for middle and upper incomes
- One of the largest recent state tax reforms in the US
Top Industries in Iowa
- Insurance (Principal, Wellmark) — Average salary $70,000+
- Finance (Des Moines is “Hartford of the Midwest”) — Average salary $65,000+
- Agriculture — Average salary $50,000+
- Food Processing — Average salary $48,000+
- Healthcare — Average salary $60,000+
- Manufacturing — Average salary $52,000+
Related Guides
- What is a good salary in Minnesota?
- What is a good salary in Nebraska?
- How much house on $60K salary?
- US Income Percentile Calculator
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.” bls.gov/oes
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