Cost of Living in Crystal Lake, IA

With a cost of living index of 64, Crystal Lake, IA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 36% cheaper than the national average and 7% below the Iowa state average of 71. Crystal Lake is a small community of 229 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Crystal Lake's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $830 (37% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $86,000 (72% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Crystal Lake is $82,500, which is 10% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 12% 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.