Cambridge, IA vs Marengo, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Marengo is 25.8% cheaper than Cambridge. With a cost index of 63 vs 79, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Marengo to Cambridge should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cambridge is $1,080/month compared to $722/month in Marengo — a 50% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marengo is more affordable at $114,100 median vs $172,800.

Median household income in Cambridge is $74,531 compared to $58,125 in Marengo (+28.2%). While Cambridge is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cambridge spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, more than the 14.9% in Marengo.