Duncombe, IA vs Van Wert, IA

Duncombe, IA and Van Wert, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.1% difference in their overall index. Duncombe scores 57 while Van Wert scores 58 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 Duncombe is $542/month compared to $688/month in Van Wert — a 21% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Duncombe has cheaper rent, Van Wert actually has lower median home values ($62,300 vs $108,200).

Median household income in Duncombe is $63,125 compared to $58,750 in Van Wert (+7.4%). Duncombe offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Duncombe spend roughly 10.3% of their income on rent, less than the 14.1% in Van Wert.