Fort Dodge, IA vs Pella, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fort Dodge is 22.6% cheaper than Pella. With a cost index of 66 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fort Dodge to Pella should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Dodge is $764/month compared to $1,041/month in Pella — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fort Dodge is more affordable at $128,900 median vs $259,600.

Median household income in Fort Dodge is $61,769 compared to $81,201 in Pella (-23.9%). While Pella 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 15.4% in Pella.