CostIndexUSA

Anaheim, CA vs Iowa City, IA Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

CA
Anaheim
113.6
overall index
$2,550/mo rent
More AffordableIA
Iowa City
91.5
overall index
$1,300/mo rent

Iowa City is significantly cheaper than Anaheim — 19.5% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Anaheim, you would need $64,400 in Iowa City. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing50.7%
Anaheim
170.4
Iowa City
84
🛒 Groceries12.1%
Anaheim
106.6
Iowa City
93.7
🚗 Transportation10.9%
Anaheim
109.6
Iowa City
97.6
🏥 Healthcare10.9%
Anaheim
99.1
Iowa City
88.3
Utilities47.2%
Anaheim
158.6
Iowa City
83.7

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Anaheim to see what you'd need to earn in Iowa City to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Iowa City, IA
$64,400
$15,600 less needed in Iowa City

Formula: salary × (91.5 ÷ 113.6) = salary × 0.8055. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Anaheim, CA

Median Home Price
$565,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,550
Housing Index
170.4
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.5×

Iowa City, IA

Median Home Price
$287,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,300
Housing Index
84
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.4×

Anaheim has 50.7% lower housing costs compared to Iowa City.

Income & Job Market

Anaheim, CA

Median Household Income
$92,000
Per Capita Income
$52,400
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
Population
346,824
Top Industries
TourismHealthcareManufacturingTechnologyRetail

Iowa City, IA

Median Household Income
$71,900
Per Capita Income
$41,000
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
Population
74,398
Top Industries
EducationHealthcareTechnologyResearchGovernment

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Anaheim, CA
3.0×income-to-rent ratio

67% of income left after rent (median)

Iowa City, IA
4.6×income-to-rent ratio

78% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.