Cost of Living in Fort Dodge, IA

With a cost of living index of 66, Fort Dodge, IA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 34% cheaper than the national average and 6% below the Iowa state average of 71. Fort Dodge is a smaller community of 24,788 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Fort Dodge's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $764 (42% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $128,900 (58% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.1x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Fort Dodge is $61,769, which is 18% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 15% 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.