Chariton, IA vs Le Mars, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Chariton is 20.4% cheaper than Le Mars. With a cost index of 60 vs 76, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Chariton to Le Mars should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chariton is $716/month compared to $908/month in Le Mars — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chariton is more affordable at $84,200 median vs $202,200.

Median household income in Chariton is $52,109 compared to $72,381 in Le Mars (-28%). While Le Mars is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Chariton spend roughly 16.5% of their income on rent, more than the 15.1% in Le Mars.