Ankeny, IA vs Council Bluffs, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Council Bluffs is 28.1% cheaper than Ankeny. With a cost index of 76 vs 97, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Council Bluffs to Ankeny should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ankeny is $1,279/month compared to $980/month in Council Bluffs — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Council Bluffs is more affordable at $164,300 median vs $311,300.

Median household income in Ankeny is $106,603 compared to $64,092 in Council Bluffs (+66.3%). While Ankeny is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ankeny spend roughly 14.4% of their income on rent, less than the 18.3% in Council Bluffs.