Average rent in Iowa
The median rent in Iowa is $981 a month (Census ACS 2024), 34% lower than the U.S. median of $1,487. You need about $39,240 a year to afford it.
Monthly basics in Iowa
| Cost | A month | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (median, with utilities paid by renter) | $981 | Census ACS 2024 |
| Electricity bill (average home) | $142 | EIA, August 2026 |
| Car insurance, full coverage | $111 | Insurify, Oct 8, 2026 |
| Gas for 1,000 miles | $154 | AAA, Oct 24, 2026 |
| These together | $1,388 | our calculation |
Each line is a state average from a different source and date, so treat the total as a rough guide. Electricity is often already counted in gross rent when the renter pays it, so the total can double-count it. Gas for 1,000 miles assumes 27.2 mpg (EPA average new vehicle).
| State | Median rent | Income needed | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | $883 | $35,320 | 1 |
| North Dakota | $980 | $39,200 | 2 |
| Iowa | $981 | $39,240 | 3 |
| Arkansas | $982 | $39,280 | 4 |
| Mississippi | $990 | $39,600 | 5 |
| U.S. median | $1,487 | $59,480 | - |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, median gross rent (B25064), 2024 ACS 1-year, as republished in the Kansas Statistical Abstract (University of Kansas). Year-earlier: 2023 ACS 1-year, State of Hawaii Data Book. Gross rent = rent plus utilities and fuels paid by the renter. Income needed = rent × 12 ÷ 30% (our calculation). Asking rents for listings today are usually higher than this all-renter median.
Plan around it
See what a salary in Iowa leaves you after tax with our Iowa take-home pay calculator, then split it with the 50/30/20 budget calculator. Thinking of buying instead? Try the rent vs buy calculator.
Common questions
What is the average rent in Iowa?
The median gross rent in Iowa was $981 a month in 2024, per the Census Bureau's American Community Survey. That ranks 3 of 51 (1 = lowest). A year earlier it was $949.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Iowa?
About $39,240 a year before tax, so the median rent of $981 is 30% of income, a common rule of thumb (our calculation).
Is rent in Iowa going up?
Median rent rose 3.4% in a year, from $949 to $981 (Census ACS, our calculation). Survey figures for a single year have a margin of error, so small changes may not be meaningful.