Altoona, IA vs Clear Lake, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Clear Lake is 21.7% cheaper than Altoona. With a cost index of 74 vs 90, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Clear Lake to Altoona should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Altoona is $1,203/month compared to $755/month in Clear Lake — a 59% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clear Lake is more affordable at $235,100 median vs $257,300.

Median household income in Altoona is $87,123 compared to $70,278 in Clear Lake (+24%). While Altoona is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Altoona spend roughly 16.6% of their income on rent, more than the 12.9% in Clear Lake.