Lamoni, IA vs Oelwein, IA

Lamoni, IA and Oelwein, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.7% difference in their overall index. Lamoni scores 61 while Oelwein scores 63 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 Lamoni is $676/month compared to $762/month in Oelwein — a 11% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Lamoni has cheaper rent, Oelwein actually has lower median home values ($96,800 vs $107,900).

Median household income in Lamoni is $52,300 compared to $49,821 in Oelwein (+5%). Lamoni offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Lamoni spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, less than the 18.4% in Oelwein.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.6°F vs 49°F). Lamoni receives more rainfall at 37.4" per year compared to 36.3" in Oelwein.