Jewell Junction, IA vs New Hampton, IA

Jewell Junction, IA and New Hampton, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.5% difference in their overall index. Jewell Junction scores 69 while New Hampton scores 70 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 Jewell Junction is $863/month compared to $838/month in New Hampton — a 3% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while New Hampton has cheaper rent, Jewell Junction actually has lower median home values ($128,300 vs $159,200).

Median household income in Jewell Junction is $75,313 compared to $61,491 in New Hampton (+22.5%). Jewell Junction offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Jewell Junction spend roughly 13.8% of their income on rent, less than the 16.4% in New Hampton.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (48.6°F vs 49°F). New Hampton receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 35.9" in Jewell Junction.