Boyden, IA vs Steamboat Rock, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Steamboat Rock is 15.5% cheaper than Boyden. With a cost index of 60 vs 69, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Steamboat Rock to Boyden should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Boyden is $765/month compared to $755/month in Steamboat Rock — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Steamboat Rock is more affordable at $78,300 median vs $175,300.

Median household income in Boyden is $81,354 compared to $44,583 in Steamboat Rock (+82.5%). While Boyden is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Boyden spend roughly 11.3% of their income on rent, less than the 20.3% in Steamboat Rock.