Alden, IA vs Bellevue, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Alden is 22.1% cheaper than Bellevue. With a cost index of 57 vs 73, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Alden to Bellevue should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alden is $562/month compared to $826/month in Bellevue — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alden is more affordable at $102,500 median vs $210,500.

Median household income in Alden is $55,625 compared to $78,792 in Bellevue (-29.4%). While Bellevue is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Alden spend roughly 12.1% of their income on rent, less than the 12.6% in Bellevue.