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Cost of Living in Jones County

Is it better to rent or buy in Jones 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.

$75,488
$883/mo

Median in area: $883

$202,309

Median in area: $202,309

$40,462

If you Rent

🔑
$1,174 /mo
Base Rent$883
Est. Utilities$291
% of Income18.7%
Pre-tax Residual$5,117

If you Buy

🏠
$1,679 /mo
P&I (7.106%)$1,088
Taxes & Ins$300
Est. Utilities$291
% of Income26.7%
Pre-tax Residual$4,611

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Jones County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyDubuque County, IA
$1,008/mo
countyDelaware County, IA
$711/mo
countyJackson County, IA
$823/mo
countyCedar County, IA
$907/mo
countyLinn County, IA
$985/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Jones County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Jones County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,174, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,679 per month (a difference of $505).

How much do utilities cost in Jones County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Jones County is approximately $291. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Jones County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $46,960 per year.