ZC

Cost of Living in Saint Lucas, IA (52166)

Quick Financial Snapshot

Hourly Living Wage$16.18 / hrBased on 2,080 hrs/yr
Target 50/30/20 Salary$67,320 / yrTo live comfortably
Family of 4 Monthly Cost$5,980 / mo2.1x single adult baseline

Executive Financial Report: Saint Lucas (52166)

Evaluating relocation options in Fayette? The financial baseline for residing in Saint Lucas, IA (52166) indicates that a single adult needs roughly $2,805 monthly to cover basic survival expenses.

With typical rent and housing utilities averaging an affordable $472 per month—just 17% of baseline expenses—Saint Lucas offers exceptionally competitive shelter costs compared to wider metropolitan averages across Iowa.

To maintain sustainable financial health in Saint Lucas (52166) using the popular 50/30/20 budgeting framework, your essential living expenses ($2,805/month) should not exceed 50% of your net take-home pay. Consequently, an individual needs a target gross annual salary of approximately $67,320 to cover necessities while building savings. On an hourly basis, working a standard 2,080-hour work year requires a minimum hourly living wage of $16.18/hour just to meet basic survival costs.

For a family of four (2 adults and 2 children), basic monthly expenditures in Saint Lucas increase to $5,980 per month ($71,760/year)—approximately 2.1x higher than the single-adult baseline. Childcare premiums and multi-bedroom housing represent the largest contributors to this family budget increase. Compared against the area median family income of $64,324, local wages provide a 1.91x coverage ratio relative to single-adult baseline expenses.

Commuting and transit expenses average $948 monthly in 52166, coupled with $430 in healthcare baselines. Tax obligations consume $443 monthly. Local tax structures remain a steady consideration for financial planning. Use our interactive tools below to adjust these benchmarks for your specific situation.

Cost Comparison: Saint Lucas (52166) vs. Iowa Average

Direct monthly cost comparison for a single adult baseline against the statewide average across all IA counties.

Expense CategorySaint Lucas (52166)IA State AverageDifference
Housing & Rent$472/mo$534/mo-12%
Food & Groceries$251/mo$253/mo-1%
Transportation$948/mo$937/mo+1%
Healthcare$430/mo$406/mo+6%
Direct Taxes$443/mo$457/mo-3%
Total Monthly Baseline$2,805/mo$2,874/mo-2%

* Statewide benchmarks are calculated from weighted county-level cost of living data across Iowa.

Is this cost data accurate for Saint Lucas (52166)?

Help our data science team continuously refine local cost indices.

Select Household Composition

Recalculate costs based on your family size

Total Monthly Cost$2,805Est. $33,658 / year
Housing / Rent$47216.8% of monthly budget
Food & Groceries$251Essential food benchmarks
Area Median Income$64,324Annual household average

Expense Distribution

Detailed Monthly Breakdown

Housing$472
Food$251
Transportation$948
Healthcare$430
Taxes$443
Affordability Calculator

Can you afford to live in Saint Lucas (52166)?

Enter your gross annual income to calculate your projected monthly surplus or deficit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Living Cost FAQs for Saint Lucas (52166)

Q: What is the minimum hourly living wage required in Saint Lucas, IA (52166)?

To cover essential living costs without financial distress, a full-time worker (2,080 hours/year) in Saint Lucas (52166) requires a minimum hourly living wage of $16.18/hour.

Q: How much salary do I need to live comfortably in Saint Lucas (52166)?

Following the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (where necessities consume 50% of net income), a single adult needs a target gross annual salary of roughly $67,320 to live comfortably in Saint Lucas (52166).

Q: What is the monthly cost of living for a family of four in Saint Lucas (52166)?

Estimated baseline monthly living expenses for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) in Saint Lucas (52166) are $5,980 per month ($71,760 per year).