Grafton, IA vs Lakeside, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Grafton is 24% cheaper than Lakeside. With a cost index of 59 vs 78, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Grafton to Lakeside should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Grafton is $655/month compared to $960/month in Lakeside — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Grafton is more affordable at $94,600 median vs $210,900.

Median household income in Grafton is $52,188 compared to $95,481 in Lakeside (-45.3%). While Lakeside is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Grafton spend roughly 15.1% of their income on rent, more than the 12.1% in Lakeside.