Johnston, IA vs Spencer, IA

The cost of living difference between Johnston, IA and Spencer, IA is dramatic. Spencer is 41.6% cheaper than Johnston, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Johnston has a cost index of 100 while Spencer sits at 71, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Johnston is $1,288/month compared to $795/month in Spencer — a 62% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Spencer is more affordable at $178,300 median vs $346,200.

Median household income in Johnston is $103,430 compared to $57,068 in Spencer (+81.2%). While Johnston is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Johnston spend roughly 14.9% of their income on rent, less than the 16.7% in Spencer.

Climate-wise, Johnston is notably warmer with an average of 50.9°F compared to 46.8°F in Spencer. Johnston receives more rainfall at 36.6" per year compared to 26.8" in Spencer.