Bowen, IL vs Mason City, IL

Bowen is moderately more affordable than Mason City, with a 13.7% lower cost of living index. Bowen scores 56 compared to 65 for Mason City, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Mason City can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Bowen is $539/month compared to $785/month in Mason City — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bowen is more affordable at $74,400 median vs $92,200.

Median household income in Bowen is $70,263 compared to $64,250 in Mason City (+9.4%). Bowen offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bowen spend roughly 9.2% of their income on rent, less than the 14.7% in Mason City.