Collins, IA vs Washta, IA

The cost of living difference between Collins, IA and Washta, IA is dramatic. Washta is 30.2% cheaper than Collins, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Collins has a cost index of 70 while Washta sits at 53, 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 Collins is $883/month compared to $575/month in Washta — a 54% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Washta is more affordable at $50,500 median vs $130,700.

Median household income in Collins is $67,292 compared to $50,313 in Washta (+33.7%). While Collins 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 13.7% in Washta.