Garner, IA vs Riverside, IA

Garner, IA and Riverside, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.1% difference in their overall index. Garner scores 69 while Riverside scores 72 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 Garner is $791/month compared to $800/month in Riverside — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Garner is more affordable at $162,100 median vs $191,100.

Median household income in Garner is $68,964 compared to $81,094 in Riverside (-15%). While Riverside is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Garner spend roughly 13.8% of their income on rent, more than the 11.8% in Riverside.