Carroll, IA vs Fort Dodge, IA

Carroll, IA and Fort Dodge, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.8% difference in their overall index. Carroll scores 69 while Fort Dodge scores 66 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carroll is $718/month compared to $764/month in Fort Dodge — a 6% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Carroll has cheaper rent, Fort Dodge actually has lower median home values ($128,900 vs $184,100).

Median household income in Carroll is $59,323 compared to $61,769 in Fort Dodge (-4%). Fort Dodge offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Carroll spend roughly 14.5% of their income on rent, less than the 14.8% in Fort Dodge.