Grimes, IA vs Mason City, IA

The cost of living difference between Grimes, IA and Mason City, IA is dramatic. Mason City is 31.3% cheaper than Grimes, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Grimes has a cost index of 91 while Mason City sits at 69, 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 $874/month in Mason City — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Mason City is more affordable at $130,000 median vs $281,000.

Median household income in Grimes is $104,497 compared to $62,369 in Mason City (+67.5%). 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 16.8% in Mason City.

Climate-wise, Grimes is notably warmer with an average of 50.9°F compared to 45.6°F in Mason City. Grimes receives more rainfall at 36.6" per year compared to 36.3" in Mason City.