Cost of Living in Palo, IA

With a cost of living index of 86, Palo, IA is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 14% cheaper than the national average and 15% above the Iowa state average of 71. Palo is a small community of 1,173 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Palo's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,063 (19% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $274,200 (10% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.6x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Palo is $103,646, which is 38% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 12% 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 Palo. The area sees an average annual temperature of 48.3°F, with summers averaging 71°F and winters around 23°F. Annual rainfall totals 35.9 inches spread over roughly 113 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Cedar Rapids, 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.