Asbury, IA vs Spencer, IA

The cost of living difference between Asbury, IA and Spencer, IA is dramatic. Spencer is 39.8% cheaper than Asbury, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Asbury has a cost index of 99 while Spencer sits at 71, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Asbury is $1,379/month compared to $795/month in Spencer — a 74% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Spencer is more affordable at $178,300 median vs $312,400.

Median household income in Asbury is $130,071 compared to $57,068 in Spencer (+127.9%). While Asbury is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Asbury spend roughly 12.7% of their income on rent, less than the 16.7% in Spencer.