The TRUE Cost of Living in Iowa vs. Other States

[@sjfisher14]

Thanks for the info! My husband and I are moving to Ames soon and considering buying a house for the first time. Very helpful!

[@livingincentraliowa]

Glad it was helpful! Where would you guys be moving from?

[@sjfisher14]

Originally from St. Louis but we’re currently living in Thailand! 🙂

[@livingincentraliowa]

@@sjfisher14 oh sweet! I have some friends living in Thailand right now as well. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you guys to help with your move to Ames! Feel free to call/text/email anytime: 515.414.6281, [e-mail]

[@prairiemark4084]

Thanks for the video. We just moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa from a small town in northern Montana (close to the Canadian border). We find Cedar Falls to be a little cheaper regarding gasoline, groceries, and healthcare. Rent is where Cedar Falls is higher. Our rent went from $550/month to $1650/month. But we rented a new duplex so we could be right across the street from the grandchildren. Wages are somewhat higher in Cedar Falls than in small town Montana. They are looking for help everywhere and my wife got a job at Northern Iowa University with the best benefit package we have ever seen. One reason we moved here is because of healthcare. I was 210 miles from my cardiologist and 370 miles from my retinal surgeon in Montana. And here there are clinics right in Cedar Falls or Waterloo.

[@livingincentraliowa]

Thanks for sharing! Really appreciate your insights & perspective on moving here from small-town MT (not a perspective I get to hear very often) Our state universities do have some amazing benefit packages. If there's ever anything I can help out with let me know! My personal cell is 515.414.6281

[@Amaxingboi]

That’s really good and I wish to visit there some day from Ghana

[@livingincentraliowa]

@@Amaxingboi would love to meet you if you come visit!

[@vintageheart9646]

How do you like it there so far? I am considering moving to Cedar Falls.

[@prairiemark4084]

No complaints so far. The people seem happier here than back in Montana. Less bitching and more contentment. I had an incident in healthcare that turned out great. The Boston Scientific company called me and told me that my model of cardiac pacemaker had an emergency recall. They said that they were having some failures and they wanted me to get it changed right away. That involved a surgical procedure to take out the old one and put the new one in. And they put another temporary pacemaker up a blood vessel in my groin to the heart to take over during the transition. I had it done 8 miles from my home and came home the same day. In Montana I would have had to travel 200 miles in the snow and return the next day. So having good healthcare close as I age out is paying dividends already. I am also enjoying a walking trail close to home and a wide variety of cafes that I didn't have back in small town Montana. We found a church that we are comfortable in too. So yes...."Thumbs up for Cedar Falls!" @@vintageheart9646

[@something2424]

Ames and Iowa City are more practical for walking/biking/public transit. I think Ankeny and Waukee are getting there, but Des Moines is falling behind in this regard imo, too many arterial roads and highways carve up the neighborhoods which makes biking a bit inconvenient, and the DART bus system is always struggling to keep up with demand. Des Moines has urbanist potential for sure though!

[@livingincentraliowa]

I appreciate your insights! While I haven't spent much time in Ames, I agree about Iowa City

[@Frontslider]

Ames is a college town. Keep that in mind before relocating there.

[@timnewman1172]

If you don't mind a bit of a commute, there are several nice small towns outside the Des Moines metro area with affordable homes...

[@livingincentraliowa]

Agreed! For people moving from larger cities, the commute from Adel, De Soto, etc. wouldn't seem too bad

[@timnewman1172]

​@@livingincentraliowa even as far out as Stuart is only about 30-35 minutes from the west mixmaster...

[@livingincentraliowa]

@@timnewman1172 there are tons of great options within an hours drive

[@henrycorrea2992]

Hi! I would like to know what small town do you recommender to live in Iowa. What about Perry town?

[@yumicrisostomo3094]

Thank you for the video, very good

[@livingincentraliowa]

Appreciate that, thank you!

[@Repent1973]

Ty this video is very helpful, planning on moving Iowa 🥰

[@michealterhune1200]

I was thinkink ceader rapids area tennessee or north Carolina. Florida is crazy if my mom was not here i would be gone

[@livingincentraliowa]

Definitely pros/cons to all 3 of those options! Give me a call sometime if there's anything I can do to help you with the decision. 515-414-6281

[@Frontslider]

I lived in Jacksonville in 1964. Very nice back then.

[@LIVINGINTHEQUADCITIES]

Great Video! All of this is accurate!

[@livingincentraliowa]

thank you!

[@ericmarkham1975]

Good video. Thank you

[@livingincentraliowa]

Thank you!

[@ewetoob137]

Thank you for the video, very good. Any insights about senior/active adult type homes and or communities in Iowa?

[@livingincentraliowa]

Great question! A lot of that is going to depend on which part of Iowa you're looking to live in and your budget. But there are quite a few great options in the Des Moines Metro. If you could send me an email at [e-mail] I would be happy to send your more specifics on some communities around here :D

[@timnewman1172]

@@livingincentraliowa there are several good options throughout the state, my parents are in an assisted living facility and they are well cared for!

[@livingincentraliowa]

@@timnewman1172 thanks for the info, Tim! Would you mind emailing me where your parents live? I always appreciate having places to recommend to others [e-mail]

[@michelleholtzman4349]

Your comment at the beginning of the video confused me about property taxes never going away. I thought that seniors had an exception after sixty-five.

[@livingincentraliowa]

Great question. Probably more detail than you were hoping for, lol, but here's a quick breakdown of the new senior tax exemption: The new rule does not cap property taxes for Iowans over 65 at $3,250. Instead, Iowans 65 or older are now eligible for a property tax exemption worth $3,250 for the assessment year beginning January 1, 2023. (For assessment years beginning on or after January 1, 2024 the exemption is for $6,500 of taxable value). If you want more clarification on that or have any additional questions just reply here or give me a call! 515.414.6281

[@Frontslider]

In Iowa, we get about a $120 discount on our property tax. In addition, property taxes continue to go up and that is a problem for seniors like me.

[@MADDIE55176]

Guttenberg, Iowa seems like a nice little community along the river.

[@livingincentraliowa]

I've never been there but it looks beautiful!

[@johnepperson8867]

My only concern about Iowa is property tax, because it does seem extreme, even if purchasing an older home. I live in Florida where homeowners insurance is expensive due to hurricane coverage, my property taxes are very low.

[@livingincentraliowa]

Thanks for your insights, John! I'm curious if you could share a rough number of what your home in FL is worth, what you pay in property taxes, and what you pay in insurance?

[@Frontslider]

We sold our house in California and moved to Iowa. The house was half the price and twice the square footage. So for us, Iowa was 25% of the cost of California. Life is good and the mostly white population is friendly and trustworthy.

[@livingincentraliowa]

The differences in home prices are crazy between here and CA

[@MrCamel2humps]

Nice! What city did you guys settle in? I’m in California as well but when retirement comes we’re outta here!

[@Frontslider]

Urbandale, next to Des Moines. Houses are going up everywhere and businesses are moving here too. You would not want to move to the smaller towns. Their economies are not doing well. Many are pig slaughtering centers completely filled with poor immigrants.@@MrCamel2humps

[@yumicrisostomo3094]

Is it racist?

[@znakharznakhar5639]

⁠@@yumicrisostomo3094are you idiot?

[@DavidBradley-w8r]

Food prices are exceptionally cheap , i can buy a galkon of milk at a gas station cheaper than most people can buy it at the grocery store

[@livingincentraliowa]

Absolutely. Kwik Star gas stations seems to especially have cheap food/grocery options

[@bribohnstedt5058]

Hi! My husband just graduated medical school and will possibly be matching to a residency in Des Moines you know anything about physicians loans?

[@livingincentraliowa]

Hi Bri! Yes, physician loans are great products. The gist of it is little to no money down AND no PMI. I work with a great lender here in Des Moines who has physician loan products. Shoot me an email or a text if you'd like me to get you in touch with them! [e-mail] 515.414.6281

[@durandwilliams286]

What’s the best city for a first time home buyer/family to move too? We were looking and Lincoln NE just wondering im you’re honest opinion for the state of Iowa overall.

[@livingincentraliowa]

Kind of hard to say what the best city would be without more info. I have family living in Lincoln and always love going to visit! Has a feel very similar to the Des Moines metro. And then there are obviously going to be places with lower cost of living (smaller towns) than in a suburb or in a large city. Overall, I love Iowa and would recommend it to literally anyone (honestly). If you'd like to give me a call I'd be happy to gather some more info and help with your decision! 515.414.6281

[@durandwilliams286]

@@livingincentraliowa thanks I’ll be calling when we are more ready I appreciate you

[@pastorjacobnow]

Thank you

[@alanstrong55]

If I paid the same rent at 9th & Washington as I did at say 8400 Franklin in Clive, someone is getting rooked. That old section of DSM is not exactly a slightly neighborhood.

[@epicbluerat9999]

Can you find apartments? I know realtors here in chicago find apartments to rent for people.

[@livingincentraliowa]

Yes I can help with that! Give me a call if you'd like to chat. 515.414.6281

[@gjimip]

I have a question about home property taxes in iowa. Do they give you a discount on property tax? For example here in Florida my house is worth $650k but I get taxed for $360k which comes cheaper than paying for $650k. Let me know thx

[@livingincentraliowa]

Sorry for the late reply! In short, yes. Here are a couple videos going into more detail: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZeZimhriZh2d68 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpCqlaVtr9-lfdE If those don't answer all your questions let me know!

[@gjimip]

@@livingincentraliowa thanks for the information. I appreciate it

[@walkbyfaithfirsthaitianchu4584]

Which city is better Creston or Keokuk? We are debating on where to purchase the church between these two churches 1028 Exchange Street, Keokuk, IA 52632 or 820 N Elm Street, Creston, IA 50801 Thank you for educating us. We are relocating from El Paso, Texas.

[@livingincentraliowa]

My pleasure! It's hard to say which is better as that's going to entirely be based on what you're looking for. Could you tell me a little more? Feel free to give me a call at 515.414.6281

[@walkbyfaithfirsthaitianchu4584]

@@livingincentraliowa Hello, thank you for responding. Access to employment and affordable housing.

[@livingincentraliowa]

@@walkbyfaithfirsthaitianchu4584 Keokuk's homes appear to be a bit more affordable than Creston's. Both cities have good opportunities for employment as well in terms of local businesses, factories, medical centers, etc. Give me a call if you'd like any further clarification on this! 515.414.6281

[@walkbyfaithfirsthaitianchu4584]

I will today

[@RickyPetersen]

For a single guy in his mid 20’s with some money saved up what would you think would be better Des Moines or Ames? I was leaning more towards Ames but not so sure.

[@livingincentraliowa]

Hmm it kinda depends on what you're looking for exactly. Ames has a "younger" crowd being a university town and lower property taxes (generally), but home and rent prices are a little higher there too. Feel free to call/text me if you want to talk through this more! 515.414.6281

[@henrycorrea2992]

Hi! Family with 5 children, what do you recommend to move for first time in EEUU?

[@livingincentraliowa]

Hi there! It's honestly hard to say just based off of those criteria. I'd be happy to chat more on the phone though and find out more about what you're looking for. 515-414-6281

[@CLaFong]

Why do you think housing is so cheap there? I thought that if demand was high because it was great to live there it would be expansive.

[@livingincentraliowa]

Great question! Location would be the simplest answer. Housing has gotten more and more expensive here over the years as it has in the rest of the country, but our climate doesn't attract the masses like states that don't have winter months (CA, FL, TX, etc.). Price is in direct correlation to supply and demand and our supply of houses has kept up better with the demand compared to other parts of the country.

[@yazhiniramesh1673]

Thanks for your insights, Im gonna get into IOWA state uni sometime soon, so could you help me know about the internship opportunities please

[@livingincentraliowa]

Hi! Could you send me your contact info? I'd love to hear more about what you're looking for and see if I can help! You can reach me at 515.414.6281

[@terracestevenkennedy9198]

I learned how to drive truck at Hawkeye community college in Waterloo.

[@livingincentraliowa]

That's a great school!

[@GoFarAway5338]

Hi Matt, I was curious what the average rent is in Des Moines? I typically seek 1BR apts which are not too fancy and maybe 700-750 sq. feet (hopefully with off-street parking). I pay 1500 here in San Diego and I"m over it. Thanks.

[@livingincentraliowa]

Great question! A lot of it is going to depend upon the location within the metro, but on the low end you'd be looking at $500 and on the high end up to $1,500+ for a super nice place

[@Frontslider]

Rent is high in Des Moines. You're better off with a mortgage that will have a smaller payment.

[@annoyedok321]

@@Frontslider Mortgage is no longer cheaper than rent here.

[@annoyedok321]

$800 is cheap and you'll be relatively safe area. $1000 is average and mind you it's Iowa. You'll save on commutting time and stress, but you'll suffer on food and entertainment if that matters. It's proxmity to other cities that helps make it great. Kansas City and Minneapolis 3:30 hours, Chicago 5 hours. Omaha and St Louis also within weekend trip range.

[@chrisweitzel2385]

Do you have any cities you'd recommend that are safe (we have kids) that are a little more rural but where the commute to work would be reasonable (like around 30 minutes max ideally). I like having neighbors but not being right up next to them. And not a college town..

[@livingincentraliowa]

Hey Chris! While I can't comment on safety (fair housing laws), there are many options I'd recommend that meet those criteria: - Grimes - Polk City - Granger - Norwalk - Cumming - Carlisle And honestly there's more to choose from too depending on what else you're looking for exactly. Give me a call sometime and I'd be happy to talk through those with you and share some resources you can check out for safety 515.414.6281

[@henrycorrea2992]

Hi! What about Perry, Iowa.?

[@jeffberg8015]

I moved to northern Iowa when I retired specifically because of the significantly lower cost of living versus my native Minnesota. I bought my retirement house in a small town 30 minutes from Mason City. I would probably not have been able to retire when I did if I had planned to stay in Minnesota. I was still paying on my mortgage there, and when I sold my house I was able to buy my very comparable house in Iowa free and clear just from the equity, eliminating mortgage payments from my calculations. While as you said grocery costs are very comparable to Minnesota, almost everything else is cheaper here. I'm paying significantly less in utilities, including broadband internet, than I had been, and I'm getting better health coverage that what I had been getting at a higher rate in Minnesota. I'm actually able to live pretty comfortably on my pension here. No regrets for me.

[@livingincentraliowa]

Thanks so much for sharing! Very helpful to have direct insights on cost of living from someone who has moved from another state.

[@KereshaWilliams-x1f]

Can we buuy land and put a borehole to collect my own water.

[@livingincentraliowa]

It'll depend on the area you're in and if they have any restrictions on that. Where are you considering?

[@TheKelly1951]

The pollens are horrendous... But a great place to visit except not in the spring or maybe the summer too

[@livingincentraliowa]

yes it's a bad year for allergies!

[@jamesbarker5262]

I live over by Sioux City and pay $1,600 a month for an older 3 bedroom duplex. That's insane.

[@livingincentraliowa]

Thanks for sharing! I'm not too familiar with the Sioux City market

[@musiccitymadman2023]

What about Fort dodge Iowa

[@livingincentraliowa]

Smaller towns typically = a lower cost of living but also fewer amenities. Homes in Ft. Dodge are a bit cheaper than they are in the Des Moines metro, but property taxes seem pretty comparable. Let me know if you have any more specific questions!

[@waynegrigsby5980]

Matt looking to move to Iowa need help

[@livingincentraliowa]

Hey Wayne, I would be happy to help! Give me a call sometime at 515.414.6281

[@chancethewrapperr]

I mostly want to go move to be closer to the sac and fox clans.

[@livingincentraliowa]

let me know if I can help at all with the move! 515.414.6281

[@AdamKing-k5z]

I live here in Md and the price to live is outrageous, people are rude. My Sister lives there in Iowa and say's what I pay to live in a Crummy neighborhood, with rude people I could afford to live in a decent place there. She owns a Cleaning company there and is doing well. She doesn't have to charge much due to her saying everything there is so much cheaper then here in Md. I may make the Move. She lives outside of De Moises but said outside the City, the cost of living is half of what it is here in Maryland and the people there are so much kinder.

[@livingincentraliowa]

I've never been to Maryland but we'd love to have you here! Let me know if there's anything I can do to help with your move 515.414.6281

[@henrycorrea2992]

What town is in Iowa?

[@AdamKing-k5z]

@@henrycorrea2992 I think the town is called Ames.

[@AdamKing-k5z]

@@henrycorrea2992 Maybe it's a City. Here in Md every City has so many Town's in it. Maybe I'm wrong calling it a Town. Thanks.

[@livingincentraliowa]

@@AdamKing-k5z @henrycorrea2992 Yes Ames is a city but a beautiful one with a smaller feel that Des Moines IMO. It is also a campus town centered around Iowa State Univeristy

[@vincenzaperriano876]

I want to move to iowa, I'm very concerned about the pollution and chemicals release. Help

[@livingincentraliowa]

Hi Vincenza, can you tell me a little more about that concern? I have never known that to be an issue living in Iowa but would love to know if I'm missing something. Thanks!

[@vincenzaperriano876]

It's is a top 20 toxic release state, water is polluted. Help

[@vincenzaperriano876]

Can someone give me true stats on water pollution, air pollution, & toxic release

[@livingincentraliowa]

@@vincenzaperriano876 here are a couple websites I think could help! tracking.idph.iowa.gov/Environment/Air-Quality/About-Air-Quality-Data tracking.idph.iowa.gov/Environment/Public-Drinking-Water/About-Public-Drinking-Water-Data

[@vincenzaperriano876]

Iowa has most toxic release in top 20​@livingincentraliowa

[@BenRollinsActor]

In Iowa, if you are a 100% service-connected disabled veteran, you are EXEMPT from property taxes on your primary residence.

[@livingincentraliowa]

Thank you for sharing!

[@shooch9135]

I've lived in 7 states moving for work, Iowa has the worst property taxes. For what you pay vs what the area offers the property taxes are out of control. The water quality is poor as well. Job opportunities are not forward thinking. I think Hy-vee is probably a top 5 employer for the state. Its not the most expensive state i have lived, but definitely awkward giving the expenses you pay vs what the state offers.

[@livingincentraliowa]

Appreciate your insights! We definitely need changes to our property taxes, in my opinion

[@shooch9135]

It is a great State to live and raise a family. I would definitely live in the Des Moines area if I had to choose again. Eastern Iowa (Cedar Rapids/IC) has nothing compared to DM. You should do your next video on traffic, it's pretty much a non factor! A big bonus imo coming from a big city where it takes an hour to go 20 miles lol

[@livingincentraliowa]

@@shooch9135 thank you for the idea! will make that video soon. The traffic (or lack of) here is a HUGE bonus

[@michaelcollins8628]

Iowa is not as cheap as people make it out. It looks like it is because the houses here are around 350 to 400 thousand, and rent is around 1,000 a month. But you will get paid a 1/3 of what you would get somewhere else. Don't move here thinking that you will save money. Move here because it is safer, and it has better schools for your kids. You will have a better quality of life for you and your family, but you will probably be making a lot less than you did working in California or New York. I make 40,000 a year before taxes. That's considered good pay where I'm at, and I'm struggling to keep the lights on.

[@kingsoulgrim7137]

The funny thing is I live in Iowa I live directly in Des Moines the capital of Iowa and my job is in Johnston which is hilarious because Des Moines itself is expensive while Johnston is cheaper

[@livingincentraliowa]

Appreciate your insights! Curious what keeps you in DSM rather than moving to Johnston or somewhere close to work?

[@dava12333]

Man, the worlds largest Hyvee?? I had to google it to fin out what that is.

[@livingincentraliowa]

Yes! Pretty sweet grocery store

[@yusaqhwiff2442]

The Tax is super high on homes

[@livingincentraliowa]

It is. We have one of the highest property tax rates in the nation

[@JhakasModon]

My brother stays there.. Meet him.. Make him more comfortable there please

[@livingincentraliowa]

let me know if there's anything I can do for him! 515.414.6281

[@legocontrollerjr]

I gotta get out of Los Angeles

[@livingincentraliowa]

Here's a link to a $500k house in LA and one for a $500k home in Des Moines. Let me know if you want to chat! 515.414.6281 www.zillow.com/homedetails/1126-N-Stone-St-Los-Angeles-CA-90063/20647278_zpid/ www.zillow.com/homedetails/105-NE-22nd-Cir-Grimes-IA-50111/241615399_zpid/

[@Chuchu-nu7pb]

Bro im in iowa

[@livingincentraliowa]

Which part of Iowa?

[@AdamasOldblade]

I live in Arizona, maybe 35 miles away from the capital. Cost of living is out of control. I live alone in a studio apartment (VERY rare now, they are trying to get rid of them to force the rent higher)... I pay just over $1,400 for 468 square feet. This DOES NOT include food, fuel, groceries, internet and electricity. It cannot be overstated how bad cost of living is everywhere and compared to other places I probably have it "lucky." Class warfare is a very very real thing. Rich people deeply want you to be homeless (and now due to the Supreme Court ruling in July 2024) arrested for being homeless.

[@livingincentraliowa]

Come to Des Moines! Much better cost of living here

[@michaelvo966]

Iowa .. HAS 4 SEASONS.. But if you can handle the COLD weather and there will be a place to raise the Families. Family with 2 childrens can littleraly live on $4k amonth with renting.

[@LittlehorseReynolds]

I can tell you with a 100 % fact that Iowa and it's cities are way cheaper to live than here in Washington state. I am from Iowa (Nevada), and I am going back to Iowa in 2024 or 25 with a lot of money I made here in Washington state.

[@livingincentraliowa]

I love how cheap it is here. After the people who live here, that might be my favorite thing about Iowa

[@gjimip]

I’m not sure how you see it as cheap when you look at the wages in Iowa are lower when comparing with other states like Florida for example where I live currently

[@livingincentraliowa]

​@@gjimip that's a great point. When states are rated for affordable housing, for example, it takes into account the percentage of area income. As far as other monthly expenses go (i.e. groceries, eating out, utilities, etc.) there is probably some degree of balancing out that occurs with wage differences. Work from home is changing things a lot though when people have CA salaries and are living in IA.

[@T0M0DACHI]

Iowa is my favorite 😁

[@livingincentraliowa]

@@T0M0DACHI it's the best!

[@toddm9501]

Hopefully all you liberals remember that the reason our state is great. It's because we have a Republican Governor. We elected 2 Republican senators to the USA. We elected 5 Republicans to the US House of Representatives. Our State capitol is Republican.

[@jokermong-pp2uk]

The most radon levels is in iowa,, lung cancer,,,

[@livingincentraliowa]

Yep make sure to test for radon if you buy a home!

[@ronjonson26]

Why are people in Iowa so nosy?

[@oldskolacura9798]

Have you even met a 1/3 of Iowans? I doubt it

[@livingincentraliowa]

I'm not sure! Do you know why a nose can't be 12 inches long?

[@timnewman1172]

In small towns it can indeed seem that way...

[@zelphx]

You get what you pay for. The most BORING state PERIOD.

[@livingincentraliowa]

I wholeheartedly disagree but appreciate your honest feedback!

[@todddoetken2594]

Iowa is a pathetic place to live.

[@zelphx]

Just stay away from Oskaloosa... the dreariest town in IOWA. The police are a joke, and the town has no sort of charm, also it's grimy.

[@livingincentraliowa]

I’ve never been to Oskaloosa myself - thanks for your thoughts!