MN
MoveNumbers
MoveNumbers
Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

$

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.8K/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $172.1K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
↑ 24.6%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,846
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$22.1K
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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K
Cost Index:125
Median Home:$414K

Mason City, IA

The Hawkeye State

27K
Population
State Tax
Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M
Population
State Tax
Yes
Climate
Hot desert

Notable Facts

  • •Fastest growing major city
  • •Desert metropolis
  • •Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Mason City, IA vs Phoenix, AZ

🏠Housing
↑ 62.0%
Mason City, IA
$1,722
Phoenix, AZ
$2,788
Difference
$1,067
more
🚗Transportation
↑ 30.2%
Mason City, IA
$1,144
Phoenix, AZ
$1,489
Difference
$345
more
📦Other
↑ 13.4%
Mason City, IA
$1,479
Phoenix, AZ
$1,677
Difference
$199
more
⚡All Utilities
↑ 24.5%
Mason City, IA
$451
Phoenix, AZ
$561
Difference
$110
more
🛒Groceries
↑ 10.4%
Mason City, IA
$872
Phoenix, AZ
$963
Difference
$90.99
more
🏥Healthcare
↓ 10.0%
Mason City, IA
$654
Phoenix, AZ
$589
Difference
$65.18
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$594
To$1,390
↑ $796
1 Bed
From$602
To$1,510
↑ $908
2 Bed
From$759
To$1,750
↑ $991
3 Bed
From$978
To$2,330
↑ $1,352
Mason City, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $770–$770/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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
$8,068
Monthly in Phoenix, AZ
$1,746
Difference

Home Values

Mason City
Phoenix
$150K
Median Value
$414K
↑ +3.2%
YoY Change
↓ -3.1%
↑ +34.3%
5-Year Change
↑ +30.2%
$150K
Price Range
$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 177% more expensive than Mason City

Calculate payment - Mason CityCalculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $5.5K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$456
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
3.6%
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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Arizona State Tax
Effective: 3.5%
$5.2K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.2%
$42.2K
Take-Home Pay
$8,979/month
$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Mason City, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%
Property Tax:1.5%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%
Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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
Phoenix
45 Good
Air Quality
77 Moderate
67.5%
Good Air Days
9%
92 Moderate
Climate Risk
100 Very High
🌡☀🌪
Top Hazards
🔥🌊🌡
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.7°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days
▲+3.4°F
2050 Outlook
▲+2.7°F
25 days
Heat Days >95°F
162 days

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

Similar cost to Phoenix, AZ

Other cities in a similar price range

Denver, CORaleigh, NCCharlotte, NC

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison