Garner, IA vs Wayland, IA

Wayland is moderately more affordable than Garner, with a 9.3% lower cost of living index. Garner scores 69 compared to 63 for Wayland, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Garner can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Garner is $791/month compared to $693/month in Wayland — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wayland is more affordable at $122,200 median vs $162,100.

Median household income in Garner is $68,964 compared to $67,000 in Wayland (+2.9%). Garner does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Garner spend roughly 13.8% of their income on rent, more than the 12.4% in Wayland.