Clear Lake, IA vs Solon, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Clear Lake is 20.1% cheaper than Solon. With a cost index of 74 vs 93, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Clear Lake to Solon should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clear Lake is $755/month compared to $1,166/month in Solon — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clear Lake is more affordable at $235,100 median vs $305,300.

Median household income in Clear Lake is $70,278 compared to $111,597 in Solon (-37%). While Solon is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Clear Lake spend roughly 12.9% of their income on rent, more than the 12.5% in Solon.