Belle Plaine, IA vs Raymond, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Belle Plaine is 21.1% cheaper than Raymond. With a cost index of 65 vs 82, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Belle Plaine to Raymond should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Belle Plaine is $796/month compared to $1,125/month in Raymond — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Belle Plaine is more affordable at $111,600 median vs $210,400.

Median household income in Belle Plaine is $70,517 compared to $62,813 in Raymond (+12.3%). Belle Plaine offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Belle Plaine spend roughly 13.5% of their income on rent, less than the 21.5% in Raymond.