Clive, IA vs Ottumwa, IA

The cost of living difference between Clive, IA and Ottumwa, IA is dramatic. Ottumwa is 41.6% cheaper than Clive, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Clive has a cost index of 97 while Ottumwa sits at 68, 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 $956/month in Ottumwa — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ottumwa is more affordable at $92,400 median vs $379,000.

Median household income in Clive is $131,082 compared to $56,994 in Ottumwa (+130%). 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 20.1% in Ottumwa.