Cresco, IA vs Oskaloosa, IA

Cresco is moderately more affordable than Oskaloosa, with a 5.7% lower cost of living index. Cresco scores 65 compared to 69 for Oskaloosa, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Oskaloosa can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Cresco is $814/month compared to $880/month in Oskaloosa — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cresco is more affordable at $105,200 median vs $128,900.

Median household income in Cresco is $60,769 compared to $62,172 in Oskaloosa (-2.3%). Oskaloosa does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Cresco spend roughly 16.1% of their income on rent, less than the 17% in Oskaloosa.