Cost of Living Comparison: Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, & Tiffin

Looking to move to the Iowa City area? Here's a quick breakdown of what you can expect in terms of housing, utilities, and more!

Housing

• Iowa City: Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment runs around $1,000–$1,250. Homes? Expect to pay around $250,000.
• Coralville: Slightly higher rent ($1,050–$1,300), with homes averaging $270,000.
• North Liberty: A little more affordable with rent around $1,100–$1,350 and homes at $300,000.
• Tiffin: The most budget-friendly, with rent between $850–$1,100 and homes at $230,000.

Utilities

• Iowa City & Coralville: Monthly utilities will run you about $150–$210.
• North Liberty: Similar, around $160–$210.
• Tiffin: Slightly cheaper at $140–$190.

Transportation

• All areas have similar gasoline prices (~$3.40/gallon), but public transit is more available in Iowa City and Coralville. Car-dependent? You’ll spend around $300–$450/month on transportation.

Healthcare

• Iowa City & Coralville: Top-tier healthcare options at the University of Iowa Hospitals, with standard medical costs.
• North Liberty & Tiffin: Costs are similar, but you’ll need to drive to Iowa City or Coralville for specialized care.

Education & Childcare

• Iowa City & Coralville: Great schools and childcare options, with daycare running around $800–$1,200/month.
• North Liberty & Tiffin: Good schools, with childcare costs slightly lower (around $700–$1,100/month in North Liberty, $600–$1,000 in Tiffin).

Dining & Entertainment

• Iowa City & Coralville: Plenty of dining options, with casual meals for ~$10–$20. Entertainment is abundant with events, concerts, and more.
• North Liberty: More casual, but affordable dining and outdoor fun.
• Tiffin: Fewer restaurants, but great outdoor activities and nearby events.

Summary

• Iowa City: The most expensive, but offers the best access to schools, work, and entertainment.
• Coralville: Close to Iowa City but with slightly more affordable housing.
• North Liberty: A little cheaper, with a growing community.
• Tiffin: The most affordable, but with fewer amenities.

No matter which town you choose, you’ll enjoy a friendly, small-town feel with big-city perks just around the corner!