Hawarden, IA vs Hills, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hawarden is 20.2% cheaper than Hills. With a cost index of 68 vs 86, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hawarden to Hills should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hawarden is $881/month compared to $1,179/month in Hills — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hawarden is more affordable at $132,700 median vs $217,800.

Median household income in Hawarden is $69,375 compared to $81,875 in Hills (-15.3%). The higher salaries in Hills partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Hawarden spend roughly 15.2% of their income on rent, less than the 17.3% in Hills.

Climate-wise, Hills is notably warmer with an average of 51°F compared to 47.4°F in Hawarden. Hills receives more rainfall at 35.7" per year compared to 27.8" in Hawarden.