Best Cities for Electricians in Iowa
Ranked by affordability — cost of living, rent, and net income on a $61,000 salary
Iowa has 6 metro areas with full cost-of-living data. For electricians earning around $61,000 annually, Waterloo-Cedar Falls stands out as the most affordable option with a cost-of-living index of 62.2 and $39,874 left after taxes and rent. 6 cities in Iowa sit below the national average cost of living, giving electricians more purchasing power per dollar earned. Des Moines-West Des Moines is the priciest metro at 86.0 on the index, 24 points above Waterloo-Cedar Falls.
City Rankings by Affordability
Full Comparison Table
| # | City | COL Index | 2BR Rent/mo |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waterloo-Cedar Falls | 62.2 | $1,051 |
| 2 | Dubuque | 67.8 | $1,077 |
| 3 | Cedar Rapids | 71.2 | $1,071 |
| 4 | Ames | 79.8 | $1,153 |
| 5 | Iowa City | 81.6 | $1,141 |
| 6 | Des Moines-West Des Moines | 86.0 | $1,318 |
Net income = $61,000 salary − federal & Iowa state taxes − annual 2BR rent. COL index: national avg = 100.
How We Rank Cities
Cities are ranked by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, where 100 equals the national average. A lower score means your money goes further. Net income is calculated using a benchmark $61,000 salary for electricians who install and maintain electrical systems, after applying 2026 federal and Iowa state income tax brackets and subtracting HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment. Purchasing power adjusts net income for local price levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most affordable city in Iowa for electricians?
Waterloo-Cedar Falls is the most affordable city in Iowa for electricians, with a cost-of-living index of 62.2 (national average = 100). On a $61,000 salary, you'd have approximately $39,874 after taxes and rent for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How much do electricians earn in Iowa?
Electricians in Iowa earn around $61,000 per year on average. After federal and state taxes, and typical 2-bedroom rent costs (averaging $13,620 per year across the state), take-home spending money varies significantly by city—making location a critical factor.
How does cost of living vary across Iowa cities?
Across 6 metro areas in Iowa, the average cost-of-living index is 75 (national average = 100). The most affordable metro is Waterloo-Cedar Falls at 62.2, while Des Moines-West Des Moines is the most expensive at 86.0—a difference of 24 index points.
Other Rankings in Iowa
Compare Any Two Cities Side by Side
Dig deeper into salary, taxes, rent, and purchasing power for any city pair.