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Keystone, IA vs Rockwell City, IA

73
Keystone
Iowa
VS
+15.3%
63
Rockwell City
Iowa

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Rockwell City is 15.3% cheaper than Keystone. With a cost index of 63 vs 73, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Rockwell City to Keystone should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Keystone is $992/month compared to $797/month in Rockwell City — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rockwell City is more affordable at $91,300 median vs $141,100.

Median household income in Keystone is $68,750 compared to $61,563 in Rockwell City (+11.7%). The higher salaries in Keystone partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Keystone spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, more than the 15.5% in Rockwell City.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (48.3°F vs 48.6°F). Rockwell City receives more rainfall at 35.9" per year compared to 35.9" in Keystone.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Keystone
73
Rockwell City
63
13% cheaper
Median Household Income
Keystone
$68,750
10% higher
Rockwell City
$61,563

Housing

Median Rent
Keystone
$992
Rockwell City
$797
20% cheaper
Median Home Value
Keystone
$141,100
Rockwell City
$91,300
35% cheaper
Population
Keystone
825
Rockwell City
2,449

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Keystone $2.96
Rockwell City
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Keystone $2.42
Rockwell City
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Keystone $3.89
Rockwell City
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Keystone $1.79
Rockwell City
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Keystone $4.00
Rockwell City
US $4.14
Electricity
Keystone $0.17
Rockwell City
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Keystone 48.3°F
Rockwell City 48.6°F
Summer High
Keystone 83°F
Rockwell City 84°F
Winter Low
Keystone 11°F
Rockwell City 11°F
Rainfall
Keystone 35.9"
Rockwell City 35.9"
Rainy Days
Keystone 113d
Rockwell City 112d