Grinnell, IA vs Waukon, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waukon is 15.7% cheaper than Grinnell. With a cost index of 65 vs 75, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Waukon to Grinnell should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Grinnell is $876/month compared to $719/month in Waukon — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukon is more affordable at $133,700 median vs $191,700.

Median household income in Grinnell is $64,426 compared to $56,250 in Waukon (+14.5%). The higher salaries in Grinnell partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Grinnell spend roughly 16.3% of their income on rent, more than the 15.3% in Waukon.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (47.7°F vs 48.1°F). Waukon receives more rainfall at 33.9" per year compared to 32.8" in Grinnell.