Carlisle, IA vs Malvern, IA

Malvern is moderately more affordable than Carlisle, with a 6.2% lower cost of living index. Carlisle scores 77 compared to 72 for Malvern, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Carlisle can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Carlisle is $896/month compared to $843/month in Malvern — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Malvern is more affordable at $173,900 median vs $208,100.

Median household income in Carlisle is $98,333 compared to $82,027 in Malvern (+19.9%). While Carlisle is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Carlisle spend roughly 10.9% of their income on rent, less than the 12.3% in Malvern.