Chelsea, IA vs Griswold, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Chelsea is 17.8% cheaper than Griswold. With a cost index of 56 vs 68, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Chelsea to Griswold should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Chelsea is $681/month compared to $937/month in Griswold — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Chelsea is more affordable at $43,100 median vs $89,400.

Median household income in Chelsea is $32,188 compared to $61,167 in Griswold (-47.4%). While Griswold 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 18.4% in Griswold.