Cascade, IA vs Merrill, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Merrill is 16.3% cheaper than Cascade. With a cost index of 62 vs 73, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Merrill to Cascade should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cascade is $822/month compared to $581/month in Merrill — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Merrill is more affordable at $157,200 median vs $196,100.

Median household income in Cascade is $69,861 compared to $79,250 in Merrill (-11.8%). Merrill offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Cascade spend roughly 14.1% of their income on rent, more than the 8.8% in Merrill.