Fort Dodge, IA vs Grinnell, IA

Fort Dodge is moderately more affordable than Grinnell, with a 12.3% lower cost of living index. Fort Dodge scores 66 compared to 75 for Grinnell, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Grinnell can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Dodge is $764/month compared to $876/month in Grinnell — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fort Dodge is more affordable at $128,900 median vs $191,700.

Median household income in Fort Dodge is $61,769 compared to $64,426 in Grinnell (-4.1%). Grinnell 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 Fort Dodge spend roughly 14.8% of their income on rent, less than the 16.3% in Grinnell.