Cascade, IA vs Essex, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Essex is 21.5% cheaper than Cascade. With a cost index of 60 vs 73, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Essex to Cascade should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cascade is $822/month compared to $681/month in Essex — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Essex is more affordable at $87,700 median vs $196,100.

Median household income in Cascade is $69,861 compared to $57,344 in Essex (+21.8%). While Cascade is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cascade spend roughly 14.1% of their income on rent, less than the 14.3% in Essex.