Badger, IA vs Malvern, IA

Badger is moderately more affordable than Malvern, with a 8.1% lower cost of living index. Badger scores 66 compared to 72 for Malvern, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Malvern can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Badger is $770/month compared to $843/month in Malvern — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Badger is more affordable at $136,300 median vs $173,900.

Median household income in Badger is $76,875 compared to $82,027 in Malvern (-6.3%). The higher salaries in Malvern partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Badger spend roughly 12% of their income on rent, less than the 12.3% in Malvern.