Collins, IA vs Malvern, IA

Collins, IA and Malvern, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.7% difference in their overall index. Collins scores 70 while Malvern scores 72 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 Collins is $883/month compared to $843/month in Malvern — a 5% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Malvern has cheaper rent, Collins actually has lower median home values ($130,700 vs $173,900).

Median household income in Collins is $67,292 compared to $82,027 in Malvern (-18%). While Malvern is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Collins spend roughly 15.7% of their income on rent, more than the 12.3% in Malvern.