Fort Dodge, IA vs Marion, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fort Dodge is 18.1% cheaper than Marion. 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 Marion should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Dodge is $764/month compared to $978/month in Marion — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fort Dodge is more affordable at $128,900 median vs $230,800.

Median household income in Fort Dodge is $61,769 compared to $87,105 in Marion (-29.1%). While Marion 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, more than the 13.5% in Marion.