Iola, WI vs Waterloo, WI

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Iola is 16.7% cheaper than Waterloo. With a cost index of 68 vs 81, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Iola to Waterloo should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Iola is $734/month compared to $974/month in Waterloo — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Iola is more affordable at $150,200 median vs $219,100.

Median household income in Iola is $49,688 compared to $78,103 in Waterloo (-36.4%). While Waterloo 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 17.7% of their income on rent, more than the 15% in Waterloo.