Cedar Falls, IA vs Muscatine, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Muscatine is 18.5% cheaper than Cedar Falls. With a cost index of 74 vs 87, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Muscatine 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 $979/month in Muscatine — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Muscatine is more affordable at $146,900 median vs $252,500.

Median household income in Cedar Falls is $74,165 compared to $59,332 in Muscatine (+25%). While Cedar Falls is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cedar Falls spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, less than the 19.8% in Muscatine.