Independence, IA vs Oskaloosa, IA

Independence, IA and Oskaloosa, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.5% difference in their overall index. Independence scores 68 while Oskaloosa scores 69 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 Independence is $769/month compared to $880/month in Oskaloosa — a 13% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Independence has cheaper rent, Oskaloosa actually has lower median home values ($128,900 vs $156,900).

Median household income in Independence is $72,250 compared to $62,172 in Oskaloosa (+16.2%). Independence offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Independence spend roughly 12.8% of their income on rent, less than the 17% in Oskaloosa.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49°F vs 50.7°F). Oskaloosa receives more rainfall at 37" per year compared to 36.3" in Independence.