Atkins, IA vs Independence, IA

Independence is moderately more affordable than Atkins, with a 8.9% lower cost of living index. Atkins scores 74 compared to 68 for Independence, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Atkins can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Atkins is $585/month compared to $769/month in Independence — a 24% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Atkins has cheaper rent, Independence actually has lower median home values ($156,900 vs $302,600).

Median household income in Atkins is $115,625 compared to $72,250 in Independence (+60%). While Atkins is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Atkins spend roughly 6.1% of their income on rent, less than the 12.8% in Independence.