Hazleton, IA vs Lake Mills, IA

Hazleton, IA and Lake Mills, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.2% difference in their overall index. Hazleton scores 63 while Lake Mills scores 61 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 Hazleton is $827/month compared to $615/month in Lake Mills — a 35% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Lake Mills has cheaper rent, Hazleton actually has lower median home values ($80,100 vs $127,100).

Median household income in Hazleton is $53,542 compared to $70,333 in Lake Mills (-23.9%). Lake Mills offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hazleton spend roughly 18.5% of their income on rent, more than the 10.5% in Lake Mills.

Climate-wise, Hazleton is notably warmer with an average of 49°F compared to 45.6°F in Lake Mills. Lake Mills receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 36.3" in Hazleton.