Cedar Falls, IA vs Newton, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Newton is 24.5% cheaper than Cedar Falls. With a cost index of 70 vs 87, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Newton 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 $828/month in Newton — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Newton is more affordable at $151,600 median vs $252,500.

Median household income in Cedar Falls is $74,165 compared to $56,321 in Newton (+31.7%). 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, more than the 17.6% in Newton.