Living in Iowa City, IA
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

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• 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live
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Thinking of moving to Iowa City, IA? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Iowa City, IA

Located in the eastern part of the state, Iowa City boasts friendly folks, an incredible arts scene, highly ranked medical care (Mercy Iowa City and University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics care for residents), safe neighborhoods and quality schools. The University of Iowa adds that fun college vibe to the city, bringing locals together to cheer on the Hawkeyes.

As far as work goes, the city is home to both Fortune 500 companies and plenty of startups and is a leader in education technology. This college town in Eastern Iowa also makes the grade when it comes to education, as the home of the University of Iowa, a renowned public research university, and of quality K-12 education through the Iowa City Community School District.

Ask anyone here, well, anything, and they’ll gladly answer your question. The phenomenon of “Iowa Nice” is alive and well in Iowa City. The community of just under 78,000 is tight-knit, and the Hawkeye spirit is alive and well. Families enjoy exploring over 50 parks, open spaces and natural areas, as well as craft breweries, locally owned shops and a wide assortment of delectable restaurants. Old Capital Museum (always free) is a great place to enhance learning alongside other museums across the city. 

Finally, the creative culture here is thriving, with murals, painted downtown benches and arts programming that will appeal to everyone in the family. And if you want to be a writer, the city is a UNESCO “City of Literature” due to the famous Iowa Writers’ Workshop, where emerging writers have honed their craft for more than 80 years.

Top Reasons to Move to Iowa City

• Iowa City is a UNESCO City of Literature, so there are plenty of opportunities for creatives all around town.
• Home to the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics –one of the nation’s largest and best teaching hospitals – Iowa City is a healthcare hotspot.
• Iowa City is well educated, with a high-ranking public school system and a highly educated population.
• From the Hawkeye Wave at Kinnick Stadium to the numerous independently owned bookstores and shops, Iowa City is a close-knit community. 

Iowa City is a cultural hub in eastern Iowa, right along Interstate 80. It’s home to the University of Iowa, and the nearest airport, Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, is about 25 miles north, which is a quick drive for flights. When you’re ready to roam, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Cedar Rapids is just 25 miles north, where you can visit the National Czech & Slovak Museum or catch a show at the Paramount Theatre.
• Des Moines sits 115 miles west, offering the Iowa State Capitol and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
• Davenport is about 55 miles east, home to the Figge Art Museum and the River Music Experience.

The area has all four seasons: cold winters, cool springs, hot summers that reach the mid-80s and crisp autumn days.

Iowa City’s diverse economy includes various industries, including education, health care and government. The largest employer is the University of Iowa. Other major employers are the Iowa City Community School District, Procter & Gamble and ACT, Inc. (yes, that ACT!), which is headquartered here. And, if you’re new to town, Connect with an Iowan helps residents find opportunities that match their career goals and interests.  

The cost of living in Iowa City is below the national average. The median home value in Iowa City is $294,270, and the average household income is $58,893.

Iowa has a state income tax, and those living in Iowa City can expect a combined sales tax rate of 7.0% in 2026.

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In 2008, Iowa City was designated a UNESCO City of Literature, becoming the first city in the United States to earn the honor. The designation is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, which recognizes cities’ commitment to literature, creativity and cultural development. The city earned the distinction for its deep literary heritage and ability to foster a culture centered around reading, writing and creativity.

Iowa City is home to the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, a world-renowned creative writing program at the University of Iowa. The Workshop is the country’s first creative writing degree program, founded in 1936. The program has produced numerous Pulitzer Prize winners, National Book Award recipients and dozens of acclaimed authors. In addition to the Workshop, residents can attend the Iowa City Book Festival or take advantage of the city’s rich literary community – with independent bookstores, literary events, a great library network and public literary art. You’ll fall in love with the collection of books and the atmosphere at Prairie Lights. 

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Iowa City residents can enjoy plenty of activities, from cultural to family-friendly. The city’s arts scene features the Englert Theatre, FilmScene and the Hancher Auditorium, which host a variety of performances and events. As mentioned, the city is for literary lovers, and the Prairie Lights bookstore and The Literary Walk are must-visits for bookworms. Art lovers can visit the Stanley Museum of Art and enjoy the plentiful public murals throughout downtown. Iowa City is community-oriented, hosting numerous annual festivals, such as the Iowa Arts Festival, the Mission Creek Festival and the Iowa City Book Festival. Looking for family-friendly fun? The Iowa Children’s Museum and Iowa City Public Library are kid-approved.

Of course, Iowa City is a college town, so sports enthusiasts can experience the excitement of Hawkeye games and spend a Saturday at Kinnick Stadium. History buffs will appreciate the University of Iowa Museum of Natural History in town, as well as nearby museums such as the Johnson County Historical Society Museum and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. Plenty of spots for shopping and dining are around town, especially at the Pedestrian Mall. Visit the Iowa City Farmers Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods. 

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Love the outdoors? So do people who live in Iowa City! The city has a network of over 60 parks, trails and open spaces spanning 1,320 acres. Local favorites include spots like Hickory Hill Park, with its wooded trails and open meadows, and Terry Trueblood Recreation Area, where visitors can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding and biking along Sand Lake. Lake Macbride State Park is an excellent spot for boating, fishing and hiking, while the Iowa River Corridor Trail offers waterfront walking and biking routes.

Beyond the parks and waterways, Iowa City residents enjoy outdoor exploration through biking, and the Iowa City Cycling Club provides camaraderie and route inspo. Residents can also appreciate that this city has several dog-friendly spots, like Thornberry Off-Leash Dog Park. Additionally, the city features agritourism destinations that offer seasonal opportunities to experience Iowa’s farms and orchards.

Take a bite out of this city’s diverse dining scene, which focuses on farm-to-table dining, unique flavors and a thriving craft beer culture. Local favorites include the Pullman Bar & Diner for brunch and Hamburg Inn No. 2 for a shake. The farm-to-table movement is anchored by spots like Trumpet Blossom Cafe, which emphasizes fresh, seasonal dishes and the Iowa City Farmers Market, which highlights local produce and goods. Craft beer enthusiasts can enjoy local brews at Big Grove Brewery or sip coffee at independent cafes like The Java House. Unique spots like the divey rooftop bar at Joe’s Place add to the city’s eclectic culinary landscape.

Iowa City often ranks among the top college towns in the country, even coming in fifth, according to the American Institute for Economic Research; however, that doesn’t mean that this city doesn’t offer endless educational opportunities for young families, too. Iowa City Community School District is the fourth-largest district in Iowa, serving nearly 15,000 students. The district is also nationally recognized for its commitment to diversity and academic excellence, with students speaking more than 60 languages. Iowa City and the surrounding areas offer a dozen private schooling options, each known for strong academics and small class sizes.