Council Bluffs, IA vs Muscatine, IA

Council Bluffs, IA and Muscatine, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.7% difference in their overall index. Council Bluffs scores 76 while Muscatine scores 74 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 Council Bluffs is $980/month compared to $979/month in Muscatine — a 0% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Muscatine is more affordable at $146,900 median vs $164,300.

Median household income in Council Bluffs is $64,092 compared to $59,332 in Muscatine (+8%). While Council Bluffs 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, less than the 19.8% in Muscatine.