Edgewood, IA vs Northwood, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Northwood is 25.7% cheaper than Edgewood. With a cost index of 60 vs 75, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Northwood to Edgewood should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Edgewood is $975/month compared to $583/month in Northwood — a 67% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Northwood is more affordable at $124,800 median vs $167,000.

Median household income in Edgewood is $56,875 compared to $64,615 in Northwood (-12%). Northwood offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Edgewood spend roughly 20.6% of their income on rent, more than the 10.8% in Northwood.