Clarinda, IA vs Mediapolis, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Clarinda is 18.8% cheaper than Mediapolis. With a cost index of 61 vs 75, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Clarinda to Mediapolis should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clarinda is $653/month compared to $968/month in Mediapolis — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clarinda is more affordable at $112,200 median vs $167,300.

Median household income in Clarinda is $50,644 compared to $71,250 in Mediapolis (-28.9%). While Mediapolis is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Clarinda spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, less than the 16.3% in Mediapolis.