Harlan, IA vs Parkersburg, IA

Harlan, IA and Parkersburg, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.2% difference in their overall index. Harlan scores 69 while Parkersburg scores 68 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Harlan is $856/month compared to $695/month in Parkersburg — a 23% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Parkersburg has cheaper rent, Harlan actually has lower median home values ($137,500 vs $200,000).

Median household income in Harlan is $54,923 compared to $73,482 in Parkersburg (-25.3%). Parkersburg offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Harlan spend roughly 18.7% of their income on rent, more than the 11.3% in Parkersburg.

Climate-wise, Harlan is notably warmer with an average of 52.4°F compared to 49°F in Parkersburg. Parkersburg receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 31.9" in Harlan.