Ankeny, IA vs Marion, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Marion is 20.8% cheaper than Ankeny. With a cost index of 80 vs 97, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Marion 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 $978/month in Marion — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marion is more affordable at $230,800 median vs $311,300.

Median household income in Ankeny is $106,603 compared to $87,105 in Marion (+22.4%). 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, more than the 13.5% in Marion.