Bennett, IA vs Chester, IA

The cost of living difference between Bennett, IA and Chester, IA is dramatic. Chester is 31.5% cheaper than Bennett, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bennett has a cost index of 73 while Chester sits at 56, 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 Bennett is $1,000/month compared to $513/month in Chester — a 95% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chester is more affordable at $101,800 median vs $135,800.

Median household income in Bennett is $65,714 compared to $57,500 in Chester (+14.3%). Bennett 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 Bennett spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, more than the 10.7% in Chester.