Denison, IA vs Grundy Center, IA

Denison, IA and Grundy Center, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.1% difference in their overall index. Denison scores 66 while Grundy Center scores 66 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 Denison is $770/month compared to $684/month in Grundy Center — a 13% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Grundy Center has cheaper rent, Denison actually has lower median home values ($137,600 vs $173,200).

Median household income in Denison is $63,850 compared to $77,540 in Grundy Center (-17.7%). Grundy Center offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Denison spend roughly 14.5% of their income on rent, more than the 10.6% in Grundy Center.