Badger, IA vs Hillsboro, IA

Badger, IA and Hillsboro, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.4% difference in their overall index. Badger scores 66 while Hillsboro scores 68 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Badger is $770/month compared to $1,063/month in Hillsboro — a 28% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Badger has cheaper rent, Hillsboro actually has lower median home values ($47,800 vs $136,300).

Median household income in Badger is $76,875 compared to $43,125 in Hillsboro (+78.3%). Badger offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Badger spend roughly 12% of their income on rent, less than the 29.6% in Hillsboro.