De Soto, IA vs Marengo, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Marengo is 24.3% cheaper than De Soto. With a cost index of 63 vs 78, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Marengo to De Soto should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in De Soto is $933/month compared to $722/month in Marengo — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marengo is more affordable at $114,100 median vs $210,500.

Median household income in De Soto is $92,500 compared to $58,125 in Marengo (+59.1%). While De Soto is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of De Soto spend roughly 12.1% of their income on rent, less than the 14.9% in Marengo.