Bode, IA vs Van Wert, IA

Bode is moderately more affordable than Van Wert, with a 6.7% lower cost of living index. Bode scores 54 compared to 58 for Van Wert, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Van Wert can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Bode is $542/month compared to $688/month in Van Wert — a 21% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Bode has cheaper rent, Van Wert actually has lower median home values ($62,300 vs $69,300).

Median household income in Bode is $63,750 compared to $58,750 in Van Wert (+8.5%). Bode offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bode spend roughly 10.2% of their income on rent, less than the 14.1% in Van Wert.