Cedar Falls, IA vs Marshalltown, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Marshalltown is 28.9% cheaper than Cedar Falls. With a cost index of 68 vs 87, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Marshalltown to Cedar Falls should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cedar Falls is $1,177/month compared to $864/month in Marshalltown — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marshalltown is more affordable at $117,100 median vs $252,500.

Median household income in Cedar Falls is $74,165 compared to $68,854 in Marshalltown (+7.7%). Cedar Falls does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Cedar Falls spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, more than the 15.1% in Marshalltown.