Chariton, IA vs Pleasant Hill, IA

The cost of living difference between Chariton, IA and Pleasant Hill, IA is dramatic. Chariton is 34.5% cheaper than Pleasant Hill, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chariton has a cost index of 60 while Pleasant Hill sits at 92, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Chariton is $716/month compared to $1,204/month in Pleasant Hill — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chariton is more affordable at $84,200 median vs $284,100.

Median household income in Chariton is $52,109 compared to $86,890 in Pleasant Hill (-40%). While Pleasant Hill 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, less than the 16.6% in Pleasant Hill.