Graettinger, IA vs Menlo, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Graettinger is 27.6% cheaper than Menlo. With a cost index of 54 vs 74, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Graettinger to Menlo should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Graettinger is $480/month compared to $1,078/month in Menlo — a 56% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Graettinger is more affordable at $87,000 median vs $107,100.

Median household income in Graettinger is $73,250 compared to $78,333 in Menlo (-6.5%). Menlo 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 Graettinger spend roughly 7.9% of their income on rent, less than the 16.5% in Menlo.