Cedar Falls, IA vs Clinton, IA

The cost of living difference between Cedar Falls, IA and Clinton, IA is dramatic. Clinton is 36.1% cheaper than Cedar Falls, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Cedar Falls has a cost index of 87 while Clinton sits at 64, 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 Cedar Falls is $1,177/month compared to $751/month in Clinton — a 57% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clinton is more affordable at $115,400 median vs $252,500.

Median household income in Cedar Falls is $74,165 compared to $57,493 in Clinton (+29%). The higher salaries in Cedar Falls partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Cedar Falls spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, more than the 15.7% in Clinton.