Algona, IA vs Ida Grove, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ida Grove is 19.1% cheaper than Algona. With a cost index of 60 vs 72, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ida Grove to Algona should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Algona is $887/month compared to $671/month in Ida Grove — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ida Grove is more affordable at $96,000 median vs $156,200.

Median household income in Algona is $52,542 compared to $63,194 in Ida Grove (-16.9%). Ida Grove 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 12.7% in Ida Grove.