Beaverdale, IA vs Melvin, IA

The cost of living difference between Beaverdale, IA and Melvin, IA is dramatic. Melvin is 61.1% cheaper than Beaverdale, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Beaverdale has a cost index of 87 while Melvin sits at 54, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Beaverdale is $1,369/month compared to $600/month in Melvin — a 128% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Melvin is more affordable at $51,500 median vs $171,200.

Median household income in Beaverdale is $66,000 compared to $65,795 in Melvin (+0.3%). Beaverdale does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Beaverdale spend roughly 24.9% of their income on rent, more than the 10.9% in Melvin.