Iola, KS vs Ottawa, KS

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Iola is 20.5% cheaper than Ottawa. With a cost index of 58 vs 74, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Iola to Ottawa should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Iola is $689/month compared to $949/month in Ottawa — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Iola is more affordable at $78,100 median vs $165,700.

Median household income in Iola is $50,417 compared to $64,655 in Ottawa (-22%). While Ottawa is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Iola spend roughly 16.4% of their income on rent, less than the 17.6% in Ottawa.