Hampton, IA vs Spencer, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hampton is 16.3% cheaper than Spencer. With a cost index of 59 vs 71, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hampton to Spencer should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hampton is $649/month compared to $795/month in Spencer — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hampton is more affordable at $91,900 median vs $178,300.

Median household income in Hampton is $48,922 compared to $57,068 in Spencer (-14.3%). The higher salaries in Spencer partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Hampton spend roughly 15.9% of their income on rent, less than the 16.7% in Spencer.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45.6°F vs 46.8°F). Hampton receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 26.8" in Spencer.