Kensett, IA vs Stratford, IA

Kensett, IA and Stratford, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.2% difference in their overall index. Kensett scores 56 while Stratford scores 56 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 Kensett is $629/month compared to $580/month in Stratford — a 8% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Stratford has cheaper rent, Kensett actually has lower median home values ($64,000 vs $81,100).

Median household income in Kensett is $40,278 compared to $40,833 in Stratford (-1.4%). While Stratford is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Kensett spend roughly 18.7% of their income on rent, more than the 17% in Stratford.

Climate-wise, Stratford is notably warmer with an average of 48.6°F compared to 45.6°F in Kensett. Kensett receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 35.9" in Stratford.