Adel, IA vs Spencer, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Spencer is 19.5% 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 Spencer to Adel should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Adel is $842/month compared to $795/month in Spencer — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Spencer is more affordable at $178,300 median vs $320,500.

Median household income in Adel is $96,905 compared to $57,068 in Spencer (+69.8%). While Adel is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Adel spend roughly 10.4% of their income on rent, less than the 16.7% in Spencer.