Boyden, IA vs Mediapolis, IA

Boyden is moderately more affordable than Mediapolis, with a 7.3% lower cost of living index. Boyden scores 69 compared to 75 for Mediapolis, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Mediapolis can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Boyden is $765/month compared to $968/month in Mediapolis — a 21% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Boyden has cheaper rent, Mediapolis actually has lower median home values ($167,300 vs $175,300).

Median household income in Boyden is $81,354 compared to $71,250 in Mediapolis (+14.2%). Boyden offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Boyden spend roughly 11.3% of their income on rent, less than the 16.3% in Mediapolis.