Alta, IA vs Dayton, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Dayton is 22.1% cheaper than Alta. With a cost index of 57 vs 70, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Dayton to Alta should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alta is $915/month compared to $542/month in Dayton — a 69% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dayton is more affordable at $106,900 median vs $125,800.

Median household income in Alta is $66,118 compared to $67,396 in Dayton (-1.9%). Dayton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Alta spend roughly 16.6% of their income on rent, more than the 9.7% in Dayton.