Cost of Living in Mount Pleasant, IA

With a cost of living index of 68, Mount Pleasant, IA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 32% cheaper than the national average and 4% below the Iowa state average of 71. Mount Pleasant is a smaller community of 9,093 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Mount Pleasant's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $773 (41% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $145,600 (52% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.5x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Mount Pleasant is $59,216, which is 21% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% 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 Mount Pleasant. The area sees an average annual temperature of 51.9°F, with summers averaging 74°F and winters around 28°F. Annual rainfall totals 37.9 inches spread over roughly 114 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Iowa City, 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.