Grimes, IA vs Maquoketa, IA

The cost of living difference between Grimes, IA and Maquoketa, IA is dramatic. Maquoketa is 39.7% cheaper than Grimes, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Grimes has a cost index of 91 while Maquoketa sits at 65, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Grimes is $1,156/month compared to $745/month in Maquoketa — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Maquoketa is more affordable at $126,800 median vs $281,000.

Median household income in Grimes is $104,497 compared to $56,039 in Maquoketa (+86.5%). 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 16% in Maquoketa.

Climate-wise, Grimes is notably warmer with an average of 50.9°F compared to 47.2°F in Maquoketa. Maquoketa receives more rainfall at 38.2" per year compared to 36.6" in Grimes.