Blakesburg, IA vs Melbourne, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Blakesburg is 15.4% cheaper than Melbourne. With a cost index of 56 vs 66, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Blakesburg to Melbourne should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Blakesburg is $589/month compared to $722/month in Melbourne — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Blakesburg is more affordable at $79,400 median vs $147,400.

Median household income in Blakesburg is $48,750 compared to $82,857 in Melbourne (-41.2%). While Melbourne 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 10.5% in Melbourne.