Golden, IL vs Mason City, IL

Golden, IL and Mason City, IL have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.8% difference in their overall index. Golden scores 66 while Mason City scores 65 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 Golden is $713/month compared to $785/month in Mason City — a 9% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Golden has cheaper rent, Mason City actually has lower median home values ($92,200 vs $125,500).

Median household income in Golden is $55,875 compared to $64,250 in Mason City (-13%). Mason City offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Golden spend roughly 15.3% of their income on rent, more than the 14.7% in Mason City.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (53°F vs 54°F). Mason City receives more rainfall at 38" per year compared to 36.4" in Golden.