Adel, IA vs Colfax, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Colfax is 19.1% cheaper than Adel. With a cost index of 71 vs 84, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Colfax to Adel should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Adel is $842/month compared to $830/month in Colfax — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Colfax is more affordable at $160,500 median vs $320,500.

Median household income in Adel is $96,905 compared to $82,878 in Colfax (+16.9%). The higher salaries in Adel partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Adel spend roughly 10.4% of their income on rent, less than the 12% in Colfax.