Grimes, IA vs Hiawatha, IA
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hiawatha is 21.7% cheaper than Grimes. With a cost index of 74 vs 91, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hiawatha to Grimes should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Grimes is $1,156/month compared to $846/month in Hiawatha — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hiawatha is more affordable at $210,200 median vs $281,000.
Median household income in Grimes is $104,497 compared to $67,628 in Hiawatha (+54.5%). While Grimes is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Grimes spend roughly 13.3% of their income on rent, less than the 15% in Hiawatha.
Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.9°F vs 48.3°F). Grimes receives more rainfall at 36.6" per year compared to 35.9" in Hiawatha.
Income & Cost
Housing
Salary Equivalency Calculator
What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?
Everyday Prices
BLS Average Prices by metro area
Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)