Atlantic, IA vs Grimes, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Atlantic is 27.5% cheaper than Grimes. With a cost index of 66 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Atlantic to Grimes should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Atlantic is $750/month compared to $1,156/month in Grimes — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Atlantic is more affordable at $134,900 median vs $281,000.

Median household income in Atlantic is $57,486 compared to $104,497 in Grimes (-45%). While Grimes is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Atlantic spend roughly 15.7% of their income on rent, more than the 13.3% in Grimes.