Colfax, IA vs Oelwein, IA

Oelwein is moderately more affordable than Colfax, with a 12.6% lower cost of living index. Colfax scores 71 compared to 63 for Oelwein, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Colfax can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Colfax is $830/month compared to $762/month in Oelwein — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Oelwein is more affordable at $96,800 median vs $160,500.

Median household income in Colfax is $82,878 compared to $49,821 in Oelwein (+66.4%). While Colfax is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Colfax spend roughly 12% of their income on rent, less than the 18.4% in Oelwein.