Cost of Living in Calmar, IA

With a cost of living index of 69, Calmar, IA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 31% cheaper than the national average and 3% below the Iowa state average of 71. Calmar is a small community of 980 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Calmar's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $684 (48% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $194,600 (36% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.4x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Calmar is $81,583, which is 9% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 10% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.