Emmetsburg, IA vs Jewell Junction, IA

Emmetsburg is moderately more affordable than Jewell Junction, with a 13.8% lower cost of living index. Emmetsburg scores 59 compared to 69 for Jewell Junction, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Jewell Junction can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Emmetsburg is $589/month compared to $863/month in Jewell Junction — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Emmetsburg is more affordable at $114,600 median vs $128,300.

Median household income in Emmetsburg is $57,353 compared to $75,313 in Jewell Junction (-23.8%). While Jewell Junction is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Emmetsburg spend roughly 12.3% of their income on rent, less than the 13.8% in Jewell Junction.