Bettendorf, IA vs Council Bluffs, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Council Bluffs is 19.5% cheaper than Bettendorf. With a cost index of 76 vs 90, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Council Bluffs to Bettendorf should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bettendorf is $1,148/month compared to $980/month in Council Bluffs — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Council Bluffs is more affordable at $164,300 median vs $295,600.

Median household income in Bettendorf is $102,917 compared to $64,092 in Council Bluffs (+60.6%). While Bettendorf is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bettendorf spend roughly 13.4% of their income on rent, less than the 18.3% in Council Bluffs.