Ankeny, IA vs Johnston, IA

Ankeny, IA and Johnston, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.1% difference in their overall index. Ankeny scores 97 while Johnston scores 100 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ankeny is $1,279/month compared to $1,288/month in Johnston — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ankeny is more affordable at $311,300 median vs $346,200.

Median household income in Ankeny is $106,603 compared to $103,430 in Johnston (+3.1%). Ankeny offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Ankeny spend roughly 14.4% of their income on rent, less than the 14.9% in Johnston.