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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Mason City, IA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Des Moines, IA area

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Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.8K/month more in Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $171.9K in Nashville, TN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 24.4%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,828
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$21.9K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Mason City, IA

Population:27K
Cost Index:100
Median Home:$150K

Nashville, TN

Population:689K
Cost Index:124
Median Home:$489K

Mason City, IA

The Hawkeye State

27K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 27K residents.

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K
Population
State Tax
No Income Tax
Climate
Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

  • •Music City USA
  • •Country music capital
  • •Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Mason City, IA vs Nashville, TN

🏠Housing
↑ 54.0%
Mason City, IA
$1,722
Nashville, TN
$2,651
Difference
$929
more
📦Other
↑ 31.3%
Mason City, IA
$1,479
Nashville, TN
$1,942
Difference
$463
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 12.3%
Mason City, IA
$1,144
Nashville, TN
$1,284
Difference
$140
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 8.8%
Mason City, IA
$872
Nashville, TN
$949
Difference
$77.00
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 15.2%
Mason City, IA
$451
Nashville, TN
$519
Difference
$68.32
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 7.1%
Mason City, IA
$654
Nashville, TN
$607
Difference
$46.59
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$594
To$1,600
↑ $1,006
1 Bed
From$602
To$1,680
↑ $1,078
2 Bed
From$759
To$1,840
↑ $1,081
3 Bed
From$978
To$2,350
↑ $1,372
Mason City, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $770–$770/mo

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$6,321
Monthly in Mason City, IA
$7,952
Monthly in Nashville, TN
$1,631
Difference

Home Values

Mason City
Nashville
$150K
Median Value
$489K
↑ +3.2%
YoY Change
↓ -2.1%
↑ +34.3%
5-Year Change
↑ +32.1%
$150K
Price Range
$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 227% more expensive than Mason City

Calculate payment - Mason CityCalculate payment - Nashville

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $10.7K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$892
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
7.1%
Rate difference

Mason City, IA

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Iowa State Tax
Effective: 7.1%
$10.7K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 31.8%
$47.7K
Take-Home Pay
$8,524/month
$102.3K

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Tennessee State Tax
No state income tax
$0
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 24.7%
$37.0K
Take-Home Pay
$9,416/month
$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Mason City, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
Property Tax:1.5%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%
Property Tax:0.7%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Mason City
Nashville
45 Good
Air Quality
50 Good
67.5%
Good Air Days
51.6%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
97 High
🌡☀🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🫨🌪
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.8°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
42 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Iowa and Tennessee on TaxTakeHome.com

Similar cost to Nashville, TN

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