Cost of Living in Lime Springs, IA

With a cost of living index of 60, Lime Springs, 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. Lime Springs is a small community of 410 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Lime Springs's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $658 (50% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $101,900 (67% 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 Lime Springs is $62,083, which is 17% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 13% 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 Lime Springs. The area sees an average annual temperature of 44.8°F, with summers averaging 69°F and winters around 18°F. Annual rainfall totals 34.7 inches spread over roughly 124 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.