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.