Cost of Living in Chariton, IA

With a cost of living index of 60, Chariton, IA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 40% cheaper than the national average and 11% below the Iowa state average of 71. Chariton is a small community of 4,235 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Chariton's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $716 (46% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $84,200 (72% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.6x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Chariton is $52,109, which is 31% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

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.