Guernsey, IA vs Hillsboro, IA

Guernsey is moderately more affordable than Hillsboro, with a 6.1% lower cost of living index. Guernsey scores 64 compared to 68 for Hillsboro, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Hillsboro can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Guernsey is $850/month compared to $1,063/month in Hillsboro — a 20% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Guernsey has cheaper rent, Hillsboro actually has lower median home values ($47,800 vs $76,000).

Median household income in Guernsey is $67,917 compared to $43,125 in Hillsboro (+57.5%). Guernsey offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Guernsey spend roughly 15% of their income on rent, less than the 29.6% in Hillsboro.

Climate-wise, Hillsboro is notably warmer with an average of 51.9°F compared to 48.3°F in Guernsey. Hillsboro receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 35.9" in Guernsey.