Carroll, IA vs Waukee, IA

The cost of living difference between Carroll, IA and Waukee, IA is dramatic. Carroll is 30.3% cheaper than Waukee, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Carroll has a cost index of 69 while Waukee sits at 98, 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 Carroll is $718/month compared to $1,290/month in Waukee — a 44% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carroll is more affordable at $184,100 median vs $328,200.

Median household income in Carroll is $59,323 compared to $106,728 in Waukee (-44.4%). While Waukee is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Carroll spend roughly 14.5% of their income on rent, less than the 14.5% in Waukee.