Fort Atkinson, IA vs Gladbrook, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Gladbrook is 16.8% cheaper than Fort Atkinson. With a cost index of 66 vs 77, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Gladbrook to Fort Atkinson should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Atkinson is $1,125/month compared to $807/month in Gladbrook — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Gladbrook is more affordable at $117,200 median vs $135,000.

Median household income in Fort Atkinson is $72,083 compared to $63,125 in Gladbrook (+14.2%). The higher salaries in Fort Atkinson partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Atkinson spend roughly 18.7% of their income on rent, more than the 15.3% in Gladbrook.