Clinton, IA vs Fort Madison, IA

Clinton, IA and Fort Madison, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1% difference in their overall index. Clinton scores 64 while Fort Madison scores 65 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clinton is $751/month compared to $824/month in Fort Madison — a 9% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Clinton has cheaper rent, Fort Madison actually has lower median home values ($95,900 vs $115,400).

Median household income in Clinton is $57,493 compared to $49,359 in Fort Madison (+16.5%). Clinton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Clinton spend roughly 15.7% of their income on rent, less than the 20% in Fort Madison.