Epworth, IA vs University Park, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. University Park is 26.6% cheaper than Epworth. With a cost index of 62 vs 78, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from University Park to Epworth should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Epworth is $924/month compared to $731/month in University Park — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: University Park is more affordable at $92,700 median vs $229,200.

Median household income in Epworth is $73,571 compared to $65,815 in University Park (+11.8%). Epworth does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Epworth spend roughly 15.1% of their income on rent, more than the 13.3% in University Park.