Dunlap, IA vs Lewis, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Lewis is 23.8% cheaper than Dunlap. With a cost index of 57 vs 70, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Lewis to Dunlap should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Dunlap is $934/month compared to $638/month in Lewis — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lewis is more affordable at $60,700 median vs $115,600.

Median household income in Dunlap is $54,609 compared to $34,341 in Lewis (+59%). While Dunlap is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Dunlap spend roughly 20.5% of their income on rent, less than the 22.3% in Lewis.