Bedford, IA vs Rock Valley, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Bedford is 28.5% cheaper than Rock Valley. With a cost index of 59 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Bedford to Rock Valley should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bedford is $663/month compared to $1,070/month in Rock Valley — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bedford is more affordable at $88,900 median vs $225,800.

Median household income in Bedford is $57,031 compared to $67,012 in Rock Valley (-14.9%). The higher salaries in Rock Valley 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 19.2% in Rock Valley.