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Cost of Living in Black Hawk County

Is it better to rent or buy in Black Hawk County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$71,228
$1,023/mo

Median in area: $1,023

$204,057

Median in area: $204,057

$40,811

If you Rent

🔑
$1,200 /mo
Base Rent$1,023
Est. Utilities$177
% of Income20.2%
Pre-tax Residual$4,736

If you Buy

🏠
$1,586 /mo
P&I (7.114%)$1,099
Taxes & Ins$310
Est. Utilities$177
% of Income26.7%
Pre-tax Residual$4,350

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Black Hawk County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyBenton County, IA
$822/mo
countyTama County, IA
$826/mo
countyGrundy County, IA
$873/mo
countyBremer County, IA
$880/mo
countyBuchanan County, IA
$885/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Black Hawk County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Black Hawk County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,200, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,586 per month (a difference of $386).

How much do utilities cost in Black Hawk County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Black Hawk County is approximately $177. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Black Hawk County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Black Hawk County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $48,000 per year.