Keokuk, IA vs Mason City, IA

Keokuk is moderately more affordable than Mason City, with a 7.1% lower cost of living index. Keokuk scores 64 compared to 69 for Mason City, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Mason City can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Keokuk is $810/month compared to $874/month in Mason City — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Keokuk is more affordable at $93,700 median vs $130,000.

Median household income in Keokuk is $49,340 compared to $62,369 in Mason City (-20.9%). While Mason City is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Keokuk spend roughly 19.7% of their income on rent, more than the 16.8% in Mason City.

Climate-wise, Keokuk is notably warmer with an average of 51.9°F compared to 45.6°F in Mason City. Keokuk receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 36.3" in Mason City.