With its wealthy agricultural heritage, heat and welcoming cities, occasions just like the Iowa State Truthful, and picturesque fields, Iowa could also be one of many cozy Midwestern states you’re contemplating dwelling on this yr. If Iowa sounds just like the state for you, then you may additionally be curious what cities match into your finances. As of April, the median house sale value in Iowa is $228,300.
If that value doesn’t match into your finances, don’t fear. That will help you discover the fitting place to purchase a house, Redfin has compiled a listing of seven of probably the most inexpensive locations to dwell in Iowa. And so they all have a median house sale value underneath $228,300. From Des Moines to Cedar Rapids, learn on to see what cities you could wish to think about shifting to.
DenisTangneyJr by way of Getty Photographs
#1: Waterloo
Median house value: $167,500Average sale value per sq. foot: $110Average hire for a 1-bedroom condo: $750 Median family revenue: $46,942 Nearest main metro: Cedar Rapids (55 miles)Waterloo, IA houses for saleWaterloo, IA residences for hire
With a median house sale value of $167,500, Waterloo is probably the most inexpensive place to dwell in Iowa. About 67,300 folks dwell in Waterloo and it’s roughly 55 miles from the closest metropolitan metropolis, Cedar Rapids. Should you’re contemplating shifting to this space be certain that to hike, boat, windsurf, or fish at George Wyth State Park, discover museums just like the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum and Waterloo Heart for the Arts, and take a look at the native retailers and eating places alongside the riverfront.
#2: Davenport
Median house value: $188,250 Common sale value per sq. foot: $122Average hire for a 1-bedroom condo: $977Median family revenue: $53,140 Nearest main metro: Cedar Rapids (80 miles)Davenport, IA houses for saleDavenport, IA residences for hire
Taking second place is Davenport, positioned simply throughout the Mississippi River from Illinois. When dwelling on this metropolis of 101,700 folks, you’ll be able to try Centennial Park alongside the Mississippi River, discover the Hamburg Historic District, or stroll by way of Credit score Island Park.
#3: Council Bluffs
Median house value: $188,750Average sale value per sq. foot: $144Average hire for a 1-bedroom condo: $1,227 Median family revenue: $53,140 Nearest main metro: Omaha, NE (4 miles)Council Bluffs, IA houses for saleCouncil Bluffs, IA residences for hire
Try Council Bluffs for those who’re searching for an inexpensive place to maneuver to in Iowa. With 62,800 folks dwelling in Council Bluffs, it’s an amazing possibility to think about when seeking to keep in Iowa with out paying the premium for a house in a costlier space. Residing in Council Bluffs, you’ll be able to spend time outdoors at Riverside Park, Lake Manawa, or Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park. Or you’ll be able to uncover the reveals on the Western Historic Trails Heart and the Union Pacific Railroad Museum, and discover Bayliss Park, positioned in downtown Council Bluffs.
#4: Cedar Rapids
Median house value: $189,000 Common sale value per sq. foot: $123Average hire for a 1-bedroom condo: $1,022 Median family revenue: $60,787 Nearest main metro: Des Moines (130 miles)Cedar Rapids, IA houses for saleCedar Rapids, IA residences for hire
Fourth is Cedar Rapids the place about 137,700 residents at the moment dwell. The median house sale value is $189,000 which is about $40K lower than the median house sale value in Iowa. If you end up shifting to the fifth most inexpensive metropolis in Iowa, be certain that to find museums just like the Nationwide Czech & Slovak Museum & Library and the Brucemore mansion. You may also discover the paths at Indian Creek Nature Heart, and take a look at the native distributors and eating places in NewBo Metropolis Market.
#5: Sioux Metropolis
Median house value: $190,000 Common sale value per sq. foot: $121Average hire for a 1-bedroom condo: $977 Median family revenue: $53,140 Nearest main metro: Omaha, NE (100 miles)Sioux Metropolis, IA houses for saleSioux Metropolis, IA residences for hire
A bit costlier than Cedar Rapids is Sioux Metropolis, the following metropolis on our checklist. There are a number of prime points of interest you could wish to try in Sioux Metropolis. Be sure that to discover Stone State Park the place you’ll be able to hike, camp, fish, and boat, stroll by way of downtown Sioux Metropolis, and go to museums like Sioux Metropolis Public Museum and Lewis & Clark Interpretive Heart.
#6: Des Moines
Median house value: $200,000Average sale value per sq. foot: $188Average hire for a 1-bedroom condo: $1,172Median family revenue: $54,843 Nearest main metro: Cedar Rapids (130 miles)Des Moines, IA houses for saleDes Moines, IA residences for hire
The sixth metropolis on our checklist of most inexpensive locations to dwell in Iowa is none aside from Des Moines. Des Moines has about 214,100 residents and is a superb metropolis to think about shopping for a house this yr. Whether or not you stroll or bike alongside the Des Moines Riverwalk, go to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, or go to the Iowa State Capitol, there are various actions to do and see on this metropolis.
>> Learn: Fashionable Des Moines, IA, Neighborhoods to Stay in
#7: Dubuque
Median house value: $208,500Average sale value per sq. foot: $133 Median family revenue: $54,938 Nearest main metro: Cedar Rapids (75 miles)Dubuque, IA houses for saleDubuque, IA residences for hire
Claiming the ultimate spot on our checklist of inexpensive locations to dwell in Iowa is Dubuque. With a inhabitants of about 59,700, you’ll be dwelling in a mid-sized metropolis, however there isn’t any scarcity of issues to expertise in Dubuque. If you end up shifting to this metropolis be certain that to take a look at the charming downtown Dubuque streets, go to one of many museums like Dubuque Museum of Artwork and Nationwide Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, or discover the 56-acre Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
Methodology: All cities should have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median house sale value underneath the common median house sale value in Iowa. Median house sale value and median sale value per sq. foot from the Redfin Knowledge Heart throughout April 2025. Common rental knowledge from Hire.com April 2025. Inhabitants and median family revenue knowledge sourced from the US Census Bureau.