Brighton, IA vs Mediapolis, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Brighton is 19.2% cheaper than Mediapolis. With a cost index of 61 vs 75, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Brighton to Mediapolis should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Brighton is $698/month compared to $968/month in Mediapolis — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Brighton is more affordable at $87,700 median vs $167,300.

Median household income in Brighton is $55,000 compared to $71,250 in Mediapolis (-22.8%). While Mediapolis is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Brighton spend roughly 15.2% of their income on rent, less than the 16.3% in Mediapolis.