Buffalo Center, IA vs Marengo, IA

Buffalo Center is moderately more affordable than Marengo, with a 5.8% lower cost of living index. Buffalo Center scores 59 compared to 63 for Marengo, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Marengo can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Buffalo Center is $646/month compared to $722/month in Marengo — a 11% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Buffalo Center is more affordable at $93,800 median vs $114,100.

Median household income in Buffalo Center is $49,474 compared to $58,125 in Marengo (-14.9%). While Marengo 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 14.9% in Marengo.