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Cost of Living in Muscatine County

Is it better to rent or buy in Muscatine 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.

$72,554
$1,001/mo

Median in area: $1,001

$190,018

Median in area: $190,018

$38,004

If you Rent

🔑
$1,241 /mo
Base Rent$1,001
Est. Utilities$240
% of Income20.5%
Pre-tax Residual$4,805

If you Buy

🏠
$1,566 /mo
P&I (7.171%)$1,029
Taxes & Ins$297
Est. Utilities$240
% of Income25.9%
Pre-tax Residual$4,480

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Muscatine County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyJohnson County, IA
$1,172/mo
countyScott County, IA
$1,191/mo
countyRock Island County, IL
$930/mo
countyLouisa County, IA
$776/mo
countyCedar County, IA
$907/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Muscatine County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,241, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,566 per month (a difference of $325).

How much do utilities cost in Muscatine County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Muscatine County is approximately $240. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

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

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Muscatine County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $49,640 per year.