Jefferson, IA vs Lenox, IA

Jefferson, IA and Lenox, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3% difference in their overall index. Jefferson scores 65 while Lenox scores 64 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 Jefferson is $745/month compared to $759/month in Lenox — a 2% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Jefferson has cheaper rent, Lenox actually has lower median home values ($106,000 vs $126,900).

Median household income in Jefferson is $54,286 compared to $59,750 in Lenox (-9.1%). Lenox offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Jefferson spend roughly 16.5% of their income on rent, more than the 15.2% in Lenox.

Climate-wise, Lenox is notably warmer with an average of 51.6°F compared to 48.6°F in Jefferson. Lenox receives more rainfall at 37.4" per year compared to 35.9" in Jefferson.