2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Salinas, CA vs Iowa City, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa City or is it cheaper to live in Salinas?
- Iowa City is 41.0% less expensive than Salinas.

Which city has more affordable housing, Iowa City or Salinas?
- Iowa City housing costs are 63.5% less expensive than Salinas housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Salinas or is Health Care more affordable in Iowa City.
- Health related expenses are 27.6% less in Iowa City.
 Salinas, CAIowa City, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock89.6100
 Food & Groceries104.5  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock104.0100
 Housing215.5  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$265,800$338,100
 Utilities92  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock68.5100
 Miscellaneous112.9  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Salinas    15 Reviews

Over 11 years ago

Sacred Heart School is a fine Catholic school in the heart of Salinas, Ca. Victoria Torcolini was principal of this PK-8 school from 2006-2009. Under her leadership, SHS  More

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Over 13 years ago

I Was born and raise in salinas. In 2006 my family moved to the central valley. I moved back to salinas in 2011. I moved back Because I got a better job in Carmel. I  More

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Salinas, California has some of the best weather in Central California. I love looking out at the mountain ranges that line the Salinas River Valley. It's a shame that  More

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Reviews for Iowa City    24 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I was there 5 years. Nothing to do but we’ll go shopping... at Walmart. It lacks so many things. There is no experience here, it jumps on any political band wagon and  More

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Over 5 years ago

Entertainment lacks greatly - especially the Hancher shows. I was hoping after they rebuilt they would be getting better shows there, that didn't happen. One has to  More

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Over 7 years ago

Iowa City is great. It's diverse and never boring. There always a variety of new shops and restaurants to explore and try out. Also watching college kids do stupid  More

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