Coulter, IA vs Houghton, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Coulter is 17.6% cheaper than Houghton. With a cost index of 58 vs 70, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Coulter to Houghton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Coulter is $644/month compared to $700/month in Houghton — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Coulter is more affordable at $82,000 median vs $212,500.

Median household income in Coulter is $58,125 compared to $104,375 in Houghton (-44.3%). While Houghton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Coulter spend roughly 13.3% of their income on rent, more than the 8% in Houghton.