Bastrop, LA vs Iowa, LA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Bastrop is 25.9% cheaper than Iowa. With a cost index of 61 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Bastrop to Iowa should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bastrop is $828/month compared to $1,070/month in Iowa — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bastrop is more affordable at $85,400 median vs $243,200.

Median household income in Bastrop is $30,069 compared to $72,868 in Iowa (-58.7%). While Iowa is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bastrop spend roughly 33% of their income on rent, more than the 17.6% in Iowa. The Iowa ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.