Grimes, IA vs Waukee, IA

Grimes is moderately more affordable than Waukee, with a 8.1% lower cost of living index. Grimes scores 91 compared to 98 for Waukee, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Waukee can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Grimes is $1,156/month compared to $1,290/month in Waukee — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Grimes is more affordable at $281,000 median vs $328,200.

Median household income in Grimes is $104,497 compared to $106,728 in Waukee (-2.1%). Waukee does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Grimes spend roughly 13.3% of their income on rent, less than the 14.5% in Waukee.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.9°F vs 50.9°F). Waukee receives more rainfall at 36.6" per year compared to 36.6" in Grimes.