Hills, IA vs Rock Rapids, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Rock Rapids is 19.1% cheaper than Hills. With a cost index of 72 vs 86, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Rock Rapids to Hills should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hills is $1,179/month compared to $763/month in Rock Rapids — a 55% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rock Rapids is more affordable at $207,700 median vs $217,800.

Median household income in Hills is $81,875 compared to $61,679 in Rock Rapids (+32.7%). While Hills is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hills spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, more than the 14.8% in Rock Rapids.

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