Essex, IA vs Rockwell City, IA

Essex is moderately more affordable than Rockwell City, with a 6% lower cost of living index. Essex scores 60 compared to 63 for Rockwell City, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Rockwell City can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Essex is $681/month compared to $797/month in Rockwell City — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Essex is more affordable at $87,700 median vs $91,300.

Median household income in Essex is $57,344 compared to $61,563 in Rockwell City (-6.9%). While Rockwell City is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Essex spend roughly 14.3% of their income on rent, less than the 15.5% in Rockwell City.