Algona, IA vs Wapello, IA

Wapello is moderately more affordable than Algona, with a 12.1% lower cost of living index. Algona scores 72 compared to 64 for Wapello, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Algona can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Algona is $887/month compared to $707/month in Wapello — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wapello is more affordable at $128,800 median vs $156,200.

Median household income in Algona is $52,542 compared to $71,131 in Wapello (-26.1%). Wapello 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 11.9% in Wapello.