Council Bluffs, IA vs Johnston, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Council Bluffs is 24.4% cheaper than Johnston. With a cost index of 76 vs 100, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Council Bluffs to Johnston should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Council Bluffs is $980/month compared to $1,288/month in Johnston — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Council Bluffs is more affordable at $164,300 median vs $346,200.

Median household income in Council Bluffs is $64,092 compared to $103,430 in Johnston (-38%). While Johnston is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Council Bluffs spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, more than the 14.9% in Johnston.