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Cost of Living in Mason City

Mason City, Iowa, United States · Population 27,050

▼ -16% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,110
Couple, monthly$2,021
Family of four, monthly$2,664

Estimated Prices in Mason City

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$10.13per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$40.50per meal
Cappuccino$3.04each
Monthly groceries (single person)$230per month
Monthly public transport pass$37.13per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$97.88per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$28.35per month
Fitness club membership$28.35per month
Cinema ticket$7.43each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$625per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$435per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,304per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Mason City is $3,510 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,110 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,443 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($435) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Mason City

Mason City vs New YorkMason City vs Los AngelesMason City vs ChicagoMason City vs MiamiMason City vs HoustonMason City vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

Albert Lea

58 km away · Minnesota

Austin

61 km away · Minnesota

Waverly

76 km away · Iowa

Cedar Falls

93 km away · Iowa

Waterloo

101 km away · Iowa

Owatonna

105 km away · Minnesota

Fort Dodge

107 km away · Iowa

Waseca

107 km away · Minnesota

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in Mason City

Mason City is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,110, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $435 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,664 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,021 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Mason City is $3,510. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,443 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mason City expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,110 per month in Mason City including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Mason City?
A net salary of around $1,443 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Mason City with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Mason City is $3,510.
How much is rent in Mason City?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $625 per month in the city centre and $435 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,304.
Is Mason City cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — Mason City is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Mason City?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $230 in Mason City. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $10 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in Mason City compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Mason City is estimated at $37. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Mason City are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 27,050). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.