Chelsea, IA vs Gladbrook, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Chelsea is 15% cheaper than Gladbrook. With a cost index of 56 vs 66, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Chelsea to Gladbrook should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chelsea is $681/month compared to $807/month in Gladbrook — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chelsea is more affordable at $43,100 median vs $117,200.

Median household income in Chelsea is $32,188 compared to $63,125 in Gladbrook (-49%). While Gladbrook is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Chelsea spend roughly 25.4% of their income on rent, more than the 15.3% in Gladbrook.