Graettinger, IA vs Marengo, IA

Graettinger is moderately more affordable than Marengo, with a 14.7% lower cost of living index. Graettinger scores 54 compared to 63 for Marengo, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Marengo can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Graettinger is $480/month compared to $722/month in Marengo — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Graettinger is more affordable at $87,000 median vs $114,100.

Median household income in Graettinger is $73,250 compared to $58,125 in Marengo (+26%). Graettinger offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Graettinger spend roughly 7.9% of their income on rent, less than the 14.9% in Marengo.