Gilbert, IA vs Thompson, IA

The cost of living difference between Gilbert, IA and Thompson, IA is dramatic. Thompson is 32.3% cheaper than Gilbert, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Gilbert has a cost index of 81 while Thompson sits at 61, 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 $696/month in Thompson — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Thompson is more affordable at $99,600 median vs $267,200.

Median household income in Gilbert is $112,250 compared to $49,375 in Thompson (+127.3%). 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 16.9% in Thompson.