Creston, IA vs Madrid, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Creston is 21.8% cheaper than Madrid. With a cost index of 61 vs 79, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Creston to Madrid should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Creston is $672/month compared to $1,034/month in Madrid — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Creston is more affordable at $112,600 median vs $185,100.

Median household income in Creston is $50,752 compared to $86,915 in Madrid (-41.6%). While Madrid is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Creston spend roughly 15.9% of their income on rent, more than the 14.3% in Madrid.