Cambridge, IA vs Waucoma, IA

The cost of living difference between Cambridge, IA and Waucoma, IA is dramatic. Waucoma is 36.1% cheaper than Cambridge, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cambridge has a cost index of 79 while Waucoma sits at 58, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Cambridge is $1,080/month compared to $588/month in Waucoma — a 84% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waucoma is more affordable at $102,100 median vs $172,800.

Median household income in Cambridge is $74,531 compared to $71,250 in Waucoma (+4.6%). Cambridge 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 Cambridge spend roughly 17.4% of their income on rent, more than the 9.9% in Waucoma.