Buffalo Center, IA vs Madrid, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Buffalo Center is 24.8% cheaper than Madrid. With a cost index of 59 vs 79, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Buffalo Center to Madrid should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Buffalo Center is $646/month compared to $1,034/month in Madrid — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Buffalo Center is more affordable at $93,800 median vs $185,100.

Median household income in Buffalo Center is $49,474 compared to $86,915 in Madrid (-43.1%). While Madrid is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Buffalo Center spend roughly 15.7% of their income on rent, more than the 14.3% in Madrid.