Hillsboro, IA vs Milton, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Milton is 28.3% cheaper than Hillsboro. With a cost index of 53 vs 68, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Milton to Hillsboro should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hillsboro is $1,063/month compared to $550/month in Milton — a 93% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Milton has cheaper rent, Hillsboro actually has lower median home values ($47,800 vs $54,400).

Median household income in Hillsboro is $43,125 compared to $41,875 in Milton (+3%). Hillsboro does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Hillsboro spend roughly 29.6% of their income on rent, more than the 15.8% in Milton.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 50.7°F). Hillsboro receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 37" in Milton.