Cost of Living in Harpers Ferry, IA

With a cost of living index of 67, Harpers Ferry, IA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 33% cheaper than the national average and 5% below the Iowa state average of 71. Harpers Ferry is a small community of 210 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Harpers Ferry's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $700 (47% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $165,100 (46% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 4.4x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Harpers Ferry is $37,813, which is 50% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Harpers Ferry. The area sees an average annual temperature of 48.1°F, with summers averaging 71°F and winters around 23°F. Annual rainfall totals 33.9 inches spread over roughly 133 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

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.