Bedford, IA vs Carter Lake, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Bedford is 25.4% cheaper than Carter Lake. With a cost index of 59 vs 79, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Bedford to Carter Lake should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bedford is $663/month compared to $1,115/month in Carter Lake — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bedford is more affordable at $88,900 median vs $161,200.

Median household income in Bedford is $57,031 compared to $75,037 in Carter Lake (-24%). The higher salaries in Carter Lake partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Bedford spend roughly 14% of their income on rent, less than the 17.8% in Carter Lake.