Bayard, IA vs Wayland, IA

Bayard, IA and Wayland, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.8% difference in their overall index. Bayard scores 65 while Wayland scores 63 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 Bayard is $917/month compared to $693/month in Wayland — a 32% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Wayland has cheaper rent, Bayard actually has lower median home values ($57,700 vs $122,200).

Median household income in Bayard is $43,750 compared to $67,000 in Wayland (-34.7%). Wayland offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bayard spend roughly 25.2% of their income on rent, more than the 12.4% in Wayland.