Grimes, IA vs Marshalltown, IA

The cost of living difference between Grimes, IA and Marshalltown, IA is dramatic. Marshalltown is 33.9% cheaper than Grimes, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Grimes has a cost index of 91 while Marshalltown sits at 68, 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 $864/month in Marshalltown — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marshalltown is more affordable at $117,100 median vs $281,000.

Median household income in Grimes is $104,497 compared to $68,854 in Marshalltown (+51.8%). 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 15.1% in Marshalltown.

Climate-wise, Grimes is notably warmer with an average of 50.9°F compared to 47.7°F in Marshalltown. Grimes receives more rainfall at 36.6" per year compared to 32.8" in Marshalltown.