Dysart, IA vs Emerson, IA

Dysart, IA and Emerson, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.8% difference in their overall index. Dysart scores 67 while Emerson scores 69 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 Dysart is $739/month compared to $913/month in Emerson — a 19% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Dysart has cheaper rent, Emerson actually has lower median home values ($113,600 vs $156,500).

Median household income in Dysart is $62,308 compared to $47,426 in Emerson (+31.4%). Dysart offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Dysart spend roughly 14.2% of their income on rent, less than the 23.1% in Emerson.