Dows, IA vs Mount Auburn, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Dows is 21.1% cheaper than Mount Auburn. With a cost index of 56 vs 71, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Dows to Mount Auburn should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Dows is $658/month compared to $1,021/month in Mount Auburn — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dows is more affordable at $56,200 median vs $109,400.

Median household income in Dows is $58,750 compared to $76,250 in Mount Auburn (-23%). While Mount Auburn is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Dows spend roughly 13.4% of their income on rent, less than the 16.1% in Mount Auburn.