Colfax, IA vs Shellsburg, IA

Colfax is moderately more affordable than Shellsburg, with a 5.3% lower cost of living index. Colfax scores 71 compared to 75 for Shellsburg, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Shellsburg 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 $928/month in Shellsburg — a 11% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Colfax is more affordable at $160,500 median vs $184,100.

Median household income in Colfax is $82,878 compared to $69,750 in Shellsburg (+18.8%). Colfax offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Colfax spend roughly 12% of their income on rent, less than the 16% in Shellsburg.