Algona, IA vs Boone, IA

Algona, IA and Boone, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.9% difference in their overall index. Algona scores 72 while Boone scores 69 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Algona is $887/month compared to $791/month in Boone — a 12% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Boone has cheaper rent, Algona actually has lower median home values ($156,200 vs $156,400).

Median household income in Algona is $52,542 compared to $67,269 in Boone (-21.9%). Boone offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Algona spend roughly 20.3% of their income on rent, more than the 14.1% in Boone.