Bettendorf, IA vs Muscatine, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Muscatine is 22.7% cheaper than Bettendorf. With a cost index of 74 vs 90, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Muscatine 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 $979/month in Muscatine — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Muscatine is more affordable at $146,900 median vs $295,600.

Median household income in Bettendorf is $102,917 compared to $59,332 in Muscatine (+73.5%). 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 19.8% in Muscatine.