Council Bluffs, IA vs Urbandale, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Council Bluffs is 19.8% cheaper than Urbandale. With a cost index of 76 vs 94, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Council Bluffs to Urbandale should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Council Bluffs is $980/month compared to $1,176/month in Urbandale — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Council Bluffs is more affordable at $164,300 median vs $318,800.

Median household income in Council Bluffs is $64,092 compared to $113,086 in Urbandale (-43.3%). While Urbandale 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 12.5% in Urbandale.