Epworth, IA vs Spirit Lake, IA

Epworth, IA and Spirit Lake, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.9% difference in their overall index. Epworth scores 78 while Spirit Lake scores 77 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 Epworth is $924/month compared to $885/month in Spirit Lake — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Spirit Lake is more affordable at $218,400 median vs $229,200.

Median household income in Epworth is $73,571 compared to $73,627 in Spirit Lake (-0.1%). Spirit Lake offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Epworth spend roughly 15.1% of their income on rent, more than the 14.4% in Spirit Lake.