Cedar Falls, IA vs Ottumwa, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ottumwa is 27.5% 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 Ottumwa 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 $956/month in Ottumwa — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ottumwa is more affordable at $92,400 median vs $252,500.

Median household income in Cedar Falls is $74,165 compared to $56,994 in Ottumwa (+30.1%). 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 20.1% in Ottumwa.