Delaware, IA vs Salem, IA

Delaware, IA and Salem, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3% difference in their overall index. Delaware scores 62 while Salem scores 64 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Delaware is $613/month compared to $850/month in Salem — a 28% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Delaware has cheaper rent, Salem actually has lower median home values ($75,000 vs $139,500).

Median household income in Delaware is $72,083 compared to $59,583 in Salem (+21%). Delaware offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Delaware spend roughly 10.2% of their income on rent, less than the 17.1% in Salem.