Alden, IA vs Randolph, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Alden is 20.9% cheaper than Randolph. With a cost index of 57 vs 72, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Alden to Randolph should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alden is $562/month compared to $1,087/month in Randolph — a 48% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Alden has cheaper rent, Randolph actually has lower median home values ($93,300 vs $102,500).

Median household income in Alden is $55,625 compared to $44,659 in Randolph (+24.6%). Alden offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Alden spend roughly 12.1% of their income on rent, less than the 29.2% in Randolph.