Arcadia, IA vs Irwin, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Irwin is 15.5% cheaper than Arcadia. With a cost index of 59 vs 68, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Irwin to Arcadia should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Arcadia is $816/month compared to $700/month in Irwin — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Irwin is more affordable at $71,100 median vs $139,500.

Median household income in Arcadia is $69,408 compared to $47,917 in Irwin (+44.9%). While Arcadia is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Arcadia spend roughly 14.1% of their income on rent, less than the 17.5% in Irwin.