Independence, IA vs West Union, IA

Independence, IA and West Union, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.9% difference in their overall index. Independence scores 68 while West Union scores 71 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 $925/month in West Union — a 17% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Independence has cheaper rent, West Union actually has lower median home values ($133,200 vs $156,900).

Median household income in Independence is $72,250 compared to $50,909 in West Union (+41.9%). 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 21.8% in West Union.

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