Fort Dodge, IA vs Spencer, IA

Fort Dodge is moderately more affordable than Spencer, with a 7.1% lower cost of living index. Fort Dodge scores 66 compared to 71 for Spencer, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Spencer 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 $795/month in Spencer — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fort Dodge is more affordable at $128,900 median vs $178,300.

Median household income in Fort Dodge is $61,769 compared to $57,068 in Spencer (+8.2%). 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 16.7% in Spencer.