Atlantic, IA vs Indianola, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Atlantic is 18.4% cheaper than Indianola. With a cost index of 66 vs 80, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Atlantic to Indianola should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Atlantic is $750/month compared to $966/month in Indianola — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Atlantic is more affordable at $134,900 median vs $228,100.

Median household income in Atlantic is $57,486 compared to $78,125 in Indianola (-26.4%). While Indianola 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 14.8% in Indianola.