Aurelia, IA vs Melvin, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Melvin is 15.3% cheaper than Aurelia. With a cost index of 54 vs 63, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Melvin to Aurelia should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Aurelia is $645/month compared to $600/month in Melvin — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Melvin is more affordable at $51,500 median vs $135,900.

Median household income in Aurelia is $68,605 compared to $65,795 in Melvin (+4.3%). Aurelia does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Aurelia spend roughly 11.3% of their income on rent, more than the 10.9% in Melvin.