Cresco, IA vs Van Meter, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Cresco is 20.3% cheaper than Van Meter. With a cost index of 65 vs 82, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Cresco to Van Meter should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cresco is $814/month compared to $947/month in Van Meter — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cresco is more affordable at $105,200 median vs $250,300.

Median household income in Cresco is $60,769 compared to $133,750 in Van Meter (-54.6%). While Van Meter is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cresco spend roughly 16.1% of their income on rent, more than the 8.5% in Van Meter.