Fort Dodge, IA vs Indianola, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fort Dodge is 18.5% cheaper than Indianola. With a cost index of 66 vs 80, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fort Dodge to Indianola should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Dodge is $764/month compared to $966/month in Indianola — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fort Dodge is more affordable at $128,900 median vs $228,100.

Median household income in Fort Dodge is $61,769 compared to $78,125 in Indianola (-20.9%). While Indianola is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Dodge spend roughly 14.8% of their income on rent, less than the 14.8% in Indianola.