Cost of Living in Johnston, IA

With a cost of living index of 100, Johnston, IA is right around the national average in cost. Living here is 0% cheaper than the national average and 29% above the Iowa state average of 71. Johnston is a smaller community of 24,196 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Johnston's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,288 (2% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $346,200 (14% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Johnston is $103,430, which is 38% higher 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.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Johnston. The area sees an average annual temperature of 50.9°F, with summers averaging 74°F and winters around 26°F. Annual rainfall totals 36.6 inches spread over roughly 113 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

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.