Lamoni, IA vs Ruthven, IA

Lamoni, IA and Ruthven, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.9% difference in their overall index. Lamoni scores 61 while Ruthven scores 60 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 $650/month in Ruthven — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ruthven is more affordable at $103,400 median vs $107,900.

Median household income in Lamoni is $52,300 compared to $58,750 in Ruthven (-11%). Ruthven 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, more than the 13.3% in Ruthven.

Climate-wise, Lamoni is notably warmer with an average of 51.6°F compared to 46.8°F in Ruthven. Lamoni receives more rainfall at 37.4" per year compared to 26.8" in Ruthven.