2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Lawrence, KS vs Waterloo, IA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Waterloo or is it cheaper to live in Lawrence?
- Waterloo is 18.6% less expensive than Lawrence.

Which city has more affordable housing, Waterloo or Lawrence?
- Waterloo housing costs are 52.5% less expensive than Lawrence housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Lawrence or is Health Care more affordable in Waterloo.
- Health related expenses are 1.0% less in Waterloo.
 Lawrence, KSWaterloo, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock75.7100
 Food & Groceries98.8  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock104.8100
 Housing83.8  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$121,000$338,100
 Utilities105  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock64.3100
 Miscellaneous120.4  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

Reviews for Lawrence    19 Reviews

Over 10 years ago

I don't know why people have written negative reviews about Lawrence, but I have lived here for two years and love it. The quality of life is great - it is a college  More

   |    Reply

Over 12 years ago

Great college town, wonderful people and community. Fun  More

   |    Reply

Over 13 years ago

While I was a grad student at KU I lived in Lawrence, KS. I was unimpressed by the town and even less impressed by the over-inflated ego of its inhabitants. Let's be  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Lawrence

Reviews for Waterloo    5 Reviews

The bike racks recently installed on the MET buses was a great idea for a community that has numerous bike riders and  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

Unless you're into getting wasted on a regular basis there's not a lot to do here. Most people barhop for fun. Being someone who doesn't drink and doesn't enjoy being  More

   |    Reply

Over 17 years ago

So the weather is emotional here - on and off during the summer its hot and rainy, yet during the fall it is quite often beautiful. Winters can be long, and spring can  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Waterloo


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.