Harlan, IA vs Shell Rock, IA

Harlan, IA and Shell Rock, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.7% difference in their overall index. Harlan scores 69 while Shell Rock scores 67 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 $750/month in Shell Rock — a 14% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Shell Rock has cheaper rent, Harlan actually has lower median home values ($137,500 vs $159,100).

Median household income in Harlan is $54,923 compared to $70,556 in Shell Rock (-22.2%). Shell Rock 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 12.8% in Shell Rock.

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