Clive, IA vs Fort Dodge, IA

The cost of living difference between Clive, IA and Fort Dodge, IA is dramatic. Fort Dodge is 47.8% cheaper than Clive, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Clive has a cost index of 97 while Fort Dodge sits at 66, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Clive is $1,099/month compared to $764/month in Fort Dodge — a 44% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fort Dodge is more affordable at $128,900 median vs $379,000.

Median household income in Clive is $131,082 compared to $61,769 in Fort Dodge (+112.2%). While Clive is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Clive spend roughly 10.1% of their income on rent, less than the 14.8% in Fort Dodge.