Chariton, IA vs Oakland, IA

Chariton is moderately more affordable than Oakland, with a 13.9% lower cost of living index. Chariton scores 60 compared to 70 for Oakland, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Oakland can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Chariton is $716/month compared to $856/month in Oakland — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chariton is more affordable at $84,200 median vs $144,600.

Median household income in Chariton is $52,109 compared to $72,500 in Oakland (-28.1%). While Oakland 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 14.2% in Oakland.