Ackley, IA vs Chariton, IA

Ackley, IA and Chariton, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.6% difference in their overall index. Ackley scores 59 while Chariton scores 60 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ackley is $677/month compared to $716/month in Chariton — a 5% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Ackley has cheaper rent, Chariton actually has lower median home values ($84,200 vs $99,200).

Median household income in Ackley is $61,667 compared to $52,109 in Chariton (+18.3%). Ackley offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Ackley spend roughly 13.2% of their income on rent, less than the 16.5% in Chariton.