Bridgewater, IA vs Union, IA

Bridgewater is moderately more affordable than Union, with a 12.2% lower cost of living index. Bridgewater scores 54 compared to 61 for Union, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Union can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Bridgewater is $535/month compared to $775/month in Union — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bridgewater is more affordable at $70,500 median vs $72,600.

Median household income in Bridgewater is $59,167 compared to $60,000 in Union (-1.4%). Union does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Bridgewater spend roughly 10.9% of their income on rent, less than the 15.5% in Union.