Earlham, IA vs Jefferson, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Jefferson is 16.8% cheaper than Earlham. With a cost index of 65 vs 76, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Jefferson to Earlham should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Earlham is $779/month compared to $745/month in Jefferson — a 5% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Jefferson is more affordable at $126,900 median vs $248,400.

Median household income in Earlham is $104,464 compared to $54,286 in Jefferson (+92.4%). While Earlham is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Earlham spend roughly 8.9% of their income on rent, less than the 16.5% in Jefferson.