Blakesburg, IA vs Houghton, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Blakesburg is 20.3% cheaper than Houghton. With a cost index of 56 vs 70, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Blakesburg to Houghton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Blakesburg is $589/month compared to $700/month in Houghton — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Blakesburg is more affordable at $79,400 median vs $212,500.

Median household income in Blakesburg is $48,750 compared to $104,375 in Houghton (-53.3%). While Houghton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Blakesburg spend roughly 14.5% of their income on rent, more than the 8% in Houghton.