Diagonal, IA vs Malvern, IA

Diagonal is moderately more affordable than Malvern, with a 11.1% lower cost of living index. Diagonal scores 64 compared to 72 for Malvern, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Malvern can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Diagonal is $838/month compared to $843/month in Malvern — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Diagonal is more affordable at $84,400 median vs $173,900.

Median household income in Diagonal is $80,417 compared to $82,027 in Malvern (-2%). Malvern does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Diagonal spend roughly 12.5% of their income on rent, more than the 12.3% in Malvern.