Adel, IA vs Storm Lake, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Storm Lake is 19.7% cheaper than Adel. With a cost index of 70 vs 84, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Storm Lake 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 Storm Lake — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Storm Lake is more affordable at $163,600 median vs $320,500.

Median household income in Adel is $96,905 compared to $58,341 in Storm Lake (+66.1%). 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 17.1% in Storm Lake.