Cost of Living in Urbandale, IA: Food, Rent and Transportation

With a total population of 45,037, Urbandale is a sizable suburb of Des Moines. Urbandale, which is located in Polk County, is often regarded as one of the premier residential areas in the state of Iowa. Residents of Urbandale enjoy living in a community that has a thick suburban atmosphere, and the majority of homeowners own their homes, despite the pros and cons of living in Urbandale, Iowa. A large number of parks and coffee shops may be found in the city of Urbandale. Many people are curious about the cost of living in Urbandale, as well as the fact that Urbandale is well-known for the quality of its residential areas and educational institutions. 

The population of Urbandale is generally conservative, and the city is home to a large number of families as well as young professionals. Urbandale, Iowa, is a city in Polk County, Iowa, that is experiencing population growth. High marks are consistently given to Urbandale’s public educational institutions.

Food

When it comes to food, the cost of living in Urbandale is relatively affordable. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant will cost you around $12, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant will cost around $60. If you prefer to cook at home, a pound of boneless chicken breasts will cost you around $3.99, while a gallon of milk will cost around $3.26. When it comes to grocery shopping, there are a variety of options in Urbandale. You can choose from large chain stores like Hy-Vee and Walmart or local stores like Campbell’s Nutrition. Overall, grocery prices are relatively affordable in Urbandale. For example, a dozen eggs will cost around $1.79, while a pound of ground beef will cost around $4.99.

Rent

The cost of rent in Urbandale is slightly higher than the national average, but it’s still relatively affordable compared to larger cities. How much is rent? The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Urbandale is around $850 per month, while a two-bedroom apartment will cost around $1,050 per month. Of course, the cost of rent will vary depending on a variety of factors, including location, apartment size, and amenities. For example, if you’re looking for a luxury apartment in a prime location, you can expect to pay more than the average rent. On the other hand, if you’re willing to live farther from the city center or in a smaller apartment, you may be able to find a more affordable rent.

Transportation

When it comes to transportation, Urbandale is relatively car-dependent. While there is public transportation available, including buses and a light rail system, most residents rely on their own vehicles to get around. The cost of transport in Urbandale is relatively affordable compared to larger cities, but it can still add up. According to a recent study, the average cost of owning and operating a car in Iowa is around $8,400 per year. This includes costs like gas, insurance, maintenance, and registration fees. Of course, the cost of owning a car will vary depending on factors like the type of car you own and how much you drive.

Housing Costs

One of the biggest factors that can impact the cost of living in Urbandale is housing. According to data from Zillow, the median home value in Urbandale is currently around $255,000. This is slightly higher than the median home value in Iowa as a whole, which is around $157,000. However, the cost of housing in Urbandale is still relatively affordable compared to many other major cities in the United States. Of course, the cost of housing can vary significantly depending on the type of home you are looking for and where in the city you would like to live. For example, homes in some of the newer developments in Urbandale can be significantly more expensive than homes in older, more established neighborhoods. However, there are also many affordable options for those who are on a tight budget.

Utilities

Another factor that can impact the cost of living in Urbandale is utilities. The cost of utilities such as electricity, water, and gas can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of your home and your energy usage habits. According to data from Numbeo, the average cost of utilities for a 915 square foot apartment in Urbandale is around $157 per month. This includes the cost of electricity, heating, water, and garbage disposal. This is slightly higher than the national average for utilities, which is around $147 per month for an apartment of the same size.

Healthcare

The cost of healthcare is another important factor to consider when calculating the cost of living in Urbandale. While the cost of healthcare can vary depending on a variety of factors, including your age, health, and insurance coverage, there are some general trends that can be helpful to know. According to data from Numbeo, the average cost of a doctor’s visit in Urbandale is around $130. This is slightly lower than the national average for a doctor’s visit, which is around $150.

Taxes

Taxes are an extra element that can have an effect on what one would pay to live in Urbandale. Depending on how much money you make, the rate of the state income tax in Iowa can be anywhere from 0.33% all the way up to 8.53%. In addition, Urbandale is subject to a local choice sales tax of one percent, which can have an effect on the overall cost of products and services in the city. However, it is important to realize that taxes can vary greatly depending on your unique circumstances. In addition, there are a large number of tax deductions and exemptions that are available, which can assist to reduce the overall tax burden you are responsible for paying.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the cost of living in Urbandale is relatively affordable compared to many other major cities in the United States. While housing costs can be slightly higher than the median home value in Iowa as a whole, there are still many affordable options available for those who are looking to buy or rent a home in the city. 

Additionally, the cost of utilities, transportation, food, and healthcare in Urbandale are all generally affordable, which can help to offset the higher housing costs. If your last decision is to move to Urbandale you should consider Urbandale, IA movers for a better experience! Provide specific instructions to the professional movers about what you need packed, how you want it packed, and where it needs to go. They will also take care of all the heavy lifting, wrapping, and packaging for you. Once you get to your new place, you can look forward to unpacking all of your things.