Record-high rent in Iowa

Cities in Iowa where this month's typical rent is the highest in Zillow's records for that city, fastest-rising first. Cities with 15,000+ residents.

Key findings

Cedar Rapids ranks first, with a median rent of $1,274/mo.
Across all 14 cities on this list, the median rent is $1,335/mo.

Data as of September 2026. Cities whose rent this month is the highest in at least three years of Zillow's rent index for that city. Updated monthly. Download this list (CSV)

Best value (RRS)Overheated (RRS)Most affordable Most expensive Rent falling Rent rising Best rent/income Most rent-burdened Record-high rent Seasonal swings Rent vs. income

14 cities

Rank	City	Median rent	1-yr change	5-yr change	Rent/income
01	Cedar RapidsIA Pop. 137KCompare →	$1,274/mo	+14.4%	+41.9%	21.7%
02	MarionIA Pop. 42KCompare →	$1,287/mo	+11.9%	+38.1%	17.8%
03	CoralvilleIA Pop. 23KCompare →	$1,282/mo	+10.8%	--	22.2%
04	Iowa CityIA Pop. 76KCompare →	$1,713/mo	+9.1%	+30.5%	35.1%
05	North LibertyIA Pop. 21KCompare →	$1,808/mo	+7.2%	--	21.2%
06	WaukeeIA Pop. 29KCompare →	$1,640/mo	+5.6%	+19.6%	19.5%
07	Sioux CityIA Pop. 86KCompare →	$1,267/mo	+5.6%	--	22.1%
08	WaterlooIA Pop. 67KCompare →	$909/mo	+5.5%	+30.4%	19.0%
09	Cedar FallsIA Pop. 41KCompare →	$1,405/mo	+4.6%	+23.4%	21.9%
10	DavenportIA Pop. 101KCompare →	$965/mo	+4.4%	+21.2%	17.5%
11	DubuqueIA Pop. 59KCompare →	$1,073/mo	+4.1%	--	19.6%
12	Council BluffsIA Pop. 63KCompare →	$1,335/mo	+2.9%	--	24.8%
13	West Des MoinesIA Pop. 71KCompare →	$1,353/mo	+2.6%	+17.5%	18.7%
14	AnkenyIA Pop. 73KCompare →	$1,464/mo	+1.9%	+19.7%	16.2%