Cost of Living in Boone
Boone's cost of living runs genuinely affordable across housing and rent, alongside Iowa's own low, flat state income tax.
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Learn moreGenuinely affordable housing and rent
Boone's median home value ran approximately $156,400 (about 49% below the national median), while average rent ran approximately $925/month (about 53% below the national average) -- though a separate June 2026 median list price ran higher at approximately $235,000, a real, disclosed spread (base record).
A property tax rate close to Iowa's own statewide median
Boone's effective property tax rate ran approximately 1.48%, close to, and modestly below, Iowa's own statewide median of approximately 1.54% (base record).
Iowa's low, flat income tax
Iowa's real, current flat 3.8% state income tax (2026) applies here as statewide, alongside full Social Security and 55+ retirement-income exemptions (base record).
Key takeaways
- Boone's housing and rent both run meaningfully below national averages.
- Boone's effective property tax rate (~1.48%) runs close to Iowa's own statewide median.
- Iowa's flat 3.8% income tax and retiree exemptions apply to Boone residents.
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