Iowa • 2026 Data

Cost of Living in Waterloo, Iowa

Overall cost of living: -10% vs national average

Detailed housing, grocery, healthcare, and utility cost data for Waterloo.

Housing
-12% vs avg
Utilities
-19% vs avg
Groceries
-3% vs avg
Transportation
Housing & Utilities
-12% vs avg
Median Home Price
$469,498
Median Rent
$1,409 / month
Energy Bill
$177.64 / month
Phone Bill
$158.48 / month
Gas (per gallon)
$2.76 / gallon
Food & Grocery
-3% vs avg
Loaf of Bread
$3.97
Gallon of Milk
$4.60
Carton of Eggs
$4.54
Bunch of Bananas
$0.75
Hamburger
$5.61
Healthcare
Doctor's Visit
$137.52
Dentist Visit
$110.47
Optometrist Visit
$125.26
Rx Drug
$19.91
Veterinary Visit
$64.66

Waterloo in the Context of Iowa

State Avg Cost Index100.0
State Avg Rent$1,175/mo
State Income Tax5.7%
Cities in State171

Other Cities in Iowa

About Living in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo is located in Iowa and has an overall cost of living that is -10% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Waterloo.

Housing: Median rent in Waterloo is $1,409 / month, and the median home price is $469,498. Housing costs are -12% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($3.97), milk ($4.60), and eggs ($4.54) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are -3% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($137.52), dentist visits ($110.47), and prescription drugs ($19.91). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

Iowa has a state income tax rate of 5.7%, which affects take-home pay for Waterloo residents.

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Waterloo, Iowa Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Waterloo.

Waterloo, Iowa has an overall cost of living that is -10% the national average. Housing costs are -12% vs the national average. Grocery prices are -3% vs average. Utilities are -19% vs average. This makes Waterloo a reasonably affordable city.
The median rent in Waterloo, Iowa is $1,409 / month. Average energy bills run $177.64 / month. Phone bills average $158.48 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.
Healthcare costs in Waterloo: doctor's visit averages $137.52, dentist visit averages $110.47, prescription drugs average $19.91. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the -3% grocery cost difference.
Waterloo is one of 171 cities tracked in Iowa. With an overall cost -10% vs the national average, it is more affordable than many other cities in the state. Visit our Iowa state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.
Waterloo offers cost of living -10% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $469,498, rent of $1,409 / month, and a state income tax of 5.7% in Iowa. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Waterloo fits your budget.