Bellevue, IA vs Oelwein, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Oelwein is 16.9% cheaper than Bellevue. With a cost index of 63 vs 73, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Oelwein to Bellevue should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bellevue is $826/month compared to $762/month in Oelwein — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Oelwein is more affordable at $96,800 median vs $210,500.

Median household income in Bellevue is $78,792 compared to $49,821 in Oelwein (+58.2%). While Bellevue is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bellevue spend roughly 12.6% of their income on rent, less than the 18.4% in Oelwein.