Fort Dodge, IA vs West Des Moines, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Fort Dodge is 28.9% cheaper than West Des Moines. With a cost index of 66 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Fort Dodge to West Des Moines should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Dodge is $764/month compared to $1,194/month in West Des Moines — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Fort Dodge is more affordable at $128,900 median vs $286,300.

Median household income in Fort Dodge is $61,769 compared to $84,925 in West Des Moines (-27.3%). The higher salaries in West Des Moines partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Dodge spend roughly 14.8% of their income on rent, less than the 16.9% in West Des Moines.