Cost of Living in Burlington
Burlington's cost of living runs genuinely low in housing, among the most affordable of Iowa's Tier A markets, though property tax carries a real, disclosed county-high rate.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreGenuinely affordable, if cross-source-inconsistent, housing
Burlington's 2026 home-price figures spanned $100,000-$123,500 across sources, among the most affordable of this project's Iowa Tier A markets (base record).
Iowa's low flat state income tax
Iowa's real, current flat 3.8% state income tax applies statewide (base record).
Burlington's county-high property tax rate
Burlington carries the highest effective property tax rate within Des Moines County, at approximately 1.52%, above the county's own 1.45% median and the national median (~1.02%) (base record).
Key takeaways
- Burlington's housing runs among the most genuinely affordable of Iowa's Tier A markets.
- Iowa's flat 3.8% state income tax is genuinely low.
- Burlington's effective property tax rate (~1.52%) is the highest within Des Moines County.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Burlington overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert