Gilbert, IA vs Lewis, IA

The cost of living difference between Gilbert, IA and Lewis, IA is dramatic. Lewis is 42.6% cheaper than Gilbert, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Gilbert has a cost index of 81 while Lewis sits at 57, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Gilbert is $887/month compared to $638/month in Lewis — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lewis is more affordable at $60,700 median vs $267,200.

Median household income in Gilbert is $112,250 compared to $34,341 in Lewis (+226.9%). While Gilbert is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Gilbert spend roughly 9.5% of their income on rent, less than the 22.3% in Lewis.