Harlan, IA vs Spencer, IA

Harlan, IA and Spencer, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.1% difference in their overall index. Harlan scores 69 while Spencer scores 71 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 $795/month in Spencer — a 8% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Spencer has cheaper rent, Harlan actually has lower median home values ($137,500 vs $178,300).

Median household income in Harlan is $54,923 compared to $57,068 in Spencer (-3.8%). While Spencer is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Harlan spend roughly 18.7% of their income on rent, more than the 16.7% in Spencer.

Climate-wise, Harlan is notably warmer with an average of 52.4°F compared to 46.8°F in Spencer. Harlan receives more rainfall at 31.9" per year compared to 26.8" in Spencer.