Chariton, IA vs Waverly, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Chariton is 20.5% cheaper than Waverly. 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 Waverly should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chariton is $716/month compared to $909/month in Waverly — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chariton is more affordable at $84,200 median vs $215,200.

Median household income in Chariton is $52,109 compared to $78,429 in Waverly (-33.6%). While Waverly 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 13.9% in Waverly.