Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Burlington and Mason City, Iowa. Using Iowa's 1.52% property tax rate and $1,800/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Burlington edges out Mason City in affordability, saving you roughly $147/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Iowa, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Iowa's 1.52% property tax rate.
Buying in Burlington saves you approximately $147/month ($1,764/year) compared to Mason City, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Burlington is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $125K versus $145K in Mason City. That's $20K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $4K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Burlington, compared to $5K in Mason City. Iowa offers the IFA FirstHome program ($2,500 grant) which applies in both cities.
Burlington has the better price-to-rent ratio at 15.3x versus 16.8x in Mason City. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Burlington is $680/month on a $125K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Mason City (pop. 27,072) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Burlington (pop. 24,321) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Burlington, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.