Fort Dodge, IA vs Mount Pleasant, IA

Fort Dodge, IA and Mount Pleasant, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.9% difference in their overall index. Fort Dodge scores 66 while Mount Pleasant scores 68 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Dodge is $764/month compared to $773/month in Mount Pleasant — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fort Dodge is more affordable at $128,900 median vs $145,600.

Median household income in Fort Dodge is $61,769 compared to $59,216 in Mount Pleasant (+4.3%). Fort Dodge offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Dodge spend roughly 14.8% of their income on rent, less than the 15.7% in Mount Pleasant.