Inground pool cost in Iowa City, IA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (450 sq ft)
- $35,600 – $111,000
- Per sq ft
- $79 – $246
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −1%
- US $74,500
- Rank of 300 metros
- #147
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for an inground pool in the Iowa City area: $35,600 to $111,000 for 450 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint lands close to the US figure. Building materials run about 6% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 93.7).
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Estimated cost for 450 sq ft in Iowa City, IA, standard level
$58,200 to $88,500
About $129 to $196 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 54% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $26,400 | $40,200 |
| Labor | $31,700 | $48,000 |
| Permits and fees | $150 | $220 |
| Total | $58,200 | $88,500 |
Cost breakdown for 450 sq ft in Iowa City, IA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $16,000 | $33,300 | $50,600 | 45% |
| Labor | $19,500 | $39,900 | $60,200 | 54% |
| Permits and fees | $90 | $180 | $270 | 0% |
| Total | $35,600 | $73,400 | $111,000 | 100% |
Why Iowa City prices look the way they do
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 4 trades: construction laborers at 40%, operating engineers and other construction equipment operators at 30%, brickmasons and blockmasons at 20%, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters at 10%. Weighted together, Iowa City wages are 1.03 times the national level. Labor makes up about 54% of the midpoint estimate (52% at national prices).
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Iowa City is at 93.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $35,600 nationally becomes $33,300 here (midpoint, 450 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 91.5: $90 to $270.
Data note: 20% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Iowa City. The wage table below marks each row.
The best months for inground pool in Iowa City
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Iowa City Muni Ap (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For pouring concrete, the comfortable months in Iowa City are May through October: 6 of 12. Outside them, January, February, March, April, November and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below.
The 40°F line is a deliberately cautious stand-in. The American Concrete Institute's cold-weather guide (ACI 306R-16) defines cold-weather concreting around an average daily air temperature below 40°F, which is colder than our test of an average overnight low at or below 40°F, so we flag a few extra shoulder months. In cold weather crews may need heated enclosures, insulating blankets or accelerated mixes, and those measures can raise a quote.
Iowa City gets about 36 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are May, June and August (5.3 inches in June). Inside the workable window, September and October are the driest, at 3.2 and 3.0 inches. The station averages about 19 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 15 | 1.0 | Cold |
| Feb | 36 | 19 | 1.2 | Cold |
| Mar | 50 | 30 | 2.2 | Cold |
| Apr | 63 | 40 | 3.8 | Cold |
| May | 73 | 52 | 4.5 | Workable |
| Jun | 83 | 62 | 5.3 | Workable |
| Jul | 86 | 66 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Aug | 84 | 63 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Sep | 78 | 54 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 64 | 42 | 3.0 | Workable |
| Nov | 49 | 30 | 2.2 | Cold |
| Dec | 36 | 20 | 1.4 | Cold |
Who does the work: Iowa City trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 4 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Iowa City the blend is 1.03.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 40%) the local median is $23.05 an hour, which is in line with the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.87 and $28.74 an hour. BLS counts 800 of them working in the area, 85.3 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 30% of the weighting: a median of $29.10 an hour, in line with the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $27.22 and $34.14 an hour. About 210 work in the metro. That is 22.4 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) carry 20% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Iowa City metro, so we used the Iowa statewide median: $33.38 an hour against $29.87 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $25.77 and $36.59 an hour.
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152), 10% of the weighting: a median of $29.49 an hour, 4% below the US median of $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $23.29 and $36.43 an hour. About 190 work in the metro. That is 20.3 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.0 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (construction laborers) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $3,900 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $810. That is a swing of roughly 1.1% to 5.3% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Iowa City has 93,760 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 214th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 40% | $21.87 | $23.05 | $28.74 | $22.66 | 1.02 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $27.22 | $29.10 | $34.14 | $28.78 | 1.01 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 20% | $25.77 | $33.38 | $36.59 | $29.87 | 1.12 | state |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $23.29 | $29.49 | $36.43 | $30.67 | 0.96 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.03 | |||||
Specs and site conditions that change a Iowa City bid
Pool type
Vinyl pools are $25,000-$65,000, fiberglass $45,000-$100,000, and concrete or gunite $50,000-$120,000 (HomeGuide).
Maintenance
Pool maintenance is $80-$150 a month; concrete pools also need an acid wash every 3-5 years at $300-$1,000.
Permit
A building permit for a pool is $100-$300 and contractors often include it. Many cities add plumbing and electrical permits.
Planning more than one job in Iowa City?
Jobs that often go together with inground pool are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Iowa City wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, paver patio comes out highest (level) and wood deck lowest (−10%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum fence | 150 linear ft | $3,550 – $10,700 | −6% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,000 – $5,450 | level |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,200 – $3,900 | −3% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $6,800 – $13,700 | −10% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $590 – $2,050 | −1% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $7,150 – $13,300 | level |
Iowa City against nearby metros and the rest of Iowa
Same job, same size (450 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Waterloo is the priciest of the group at $81,300.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IAthis page | $35,600 – $111,000 | $73,400 | |
| Cedar Rapids, IA40 miles | $36,600 – $114,500 | $75,500 | +3% |
| Davenport, IA60 miles | $37,500 – $117,000 | $77,400 | +5% |
| Dubuque, IA75 miles | $35,900 – $112,000 | $74,000 | +1% |
| Waterloo, IA80 miles | $39,500 – $123,000 | $81,300 | +11% |
| Des Moines, IA110 miles | $36,900 – $115,000 | $76,100 | +4% |
| Iowa (statewide) | $35,700 – $111,500 | $73,600 | level |
| United States | $36,100 – $113,000 | $74,500 | +1% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Iowa City ranks #147 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Iowa City is 0% below the Iowa figure.
Elsewhere in Iowa
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | 404,130 jobs | $36,900 – $115,000 | $76,100 | +4% |
| Davenport, IA | 180,450 jobs | $37,500 – $117,000 | $77,400 | +5% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 139,260 jobs | $36,600 – $114,500 | $75,500 | +3% |
| Waterloo, IA | 84,260 jobs | $39,500 – $123,000 | $81,300 | +11% |
| Sioux City, IA | 75,010 jobs | $35,600 – $111,000 | $73,400 | level |
| Dubuque, IA | 58,470 jobs | $35,900 – $112,000 | $74,000 | +1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Iowa City against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | 93,800 jobs | $36,100 – $113,000 | $74,500 | +1% |
| Oshkosh, WI | 93,750 jobs | $39,100 – $122,000 | $80,500 | +10% |
| Barnstable, MA | 94,110 jobs | $41,300 – $129,000 | $85,000 | +16% |
| Bremerton, WA | 93,740 jobs | $41,700 – $130,500 | $86,000 | +17% |
Cost by quality level and size in Iowa City
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Iowa City. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from small pool (400 sq ft) to large (800 sq ft).
Basic
$35,600 to $65,800
Vinyl-liner pool, small size
Standard
$58,200 to $88,500
Fiberglass pool, standard size
Premium
$80,900 to $111,000
Concrete or gunite, large with custom features
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small pool (400 sq ft) | $31,600 – $58,500 | $51,800 – $78,700 | $71,900 – $98,800 |
| average (512 sq ft) | $40,500 – $74,800 | $66,300 – $100,500 | $92,000 – $126,500 |
| large (800 sq ft) | $63,200 – $117,000 | $103,500 – $157,000 | $143,500 – $197,500 |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $58,200 to $88,500 for Iowa City, IA is attached.
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The report lays out the inground pool numbers for Iowa City, IA line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Inground pool in Iowa City: your questions
+How much does it cost to install an inground pool in Iowa City?
For 450 sq ft, expect $35,600 to $111,000 in the Iowa City area. A standard-spec job lands at $58,200 to $88,500. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for inground pool in Iowa City?
About $79 to $246 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $90 to $270 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $80 to $250.
+Is inground pool cheaper in Iowa City or Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids is 40 miles away. The midpoint for 450 sq ft there is $75,500, which is 3% more than Iowa City ($73,400). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Iowa City?
About 54% at the midpoint, or $39,900 out of $73,400. Materials are 45% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 52%.
+What would average (512 sq ft) cost in Iowa City?
$40,500 to $126,500. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does inground pool need a permit in Iowa City?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $90 to $270 for fees in the Iowa City area (our national range of $100 to $300 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Iowa City expensive for inground pool compared with the rest of Iowa?
Iowa City is 0% below the Iowa statewide estimate ($73,600 at the midpoint). We cover 7 metros in Iowa; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Iowa City?
The BLS median is $23.05 an hour in the Iowa City area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $21.87 to $28.74.
+What do basic and premium inground pool work cost in Iowa City?
For 450 sq ft, basic work runs $35,600 to $65,800 and premium work $80,900 to $111,000. Basic means: vinyl-liner pool, small size. Premium means: concrete or gunite, large with custom features.
+When is the best time to install an inground pool in Iowa City?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through October. September and October are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
Inground pool near Iowa City
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does An Inground Pool Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Cost to Renovate: Renovation Labor Report 2026: Where the Money Goes (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = 48% of the installed price, from Cost to Renovate's mid-range 'Outdoor Living' category split. It is a category average, not a pool-specific one, so read the pool materials line loosely.