Beacon, IA vs Malvern, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Beacon is 16.7% cheaper than Malvern. With a cost index of 60 vs 72, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Beacon to Malvern should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Beacon is $729/month compared to $843/month in Malvern — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Beacon is more affordable at $76,200 median vs $173,900.

Median household income in Beacon is $56,000 compared to $82,027 in Malvern (-31.7%). While Malvern is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Beacon spend roughly 15.6% of their income on rent, more than the 12.3% in Malvern.