Laurel, IA vs What Cheer, IA

Laurel, IA and What Cheer, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.6% difference in their overall index. Laurel scores 63 while What Cheer 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 Laurel is $713/month compared to $816/month in What Cheer — a 13% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Laurel has cheaper rent, What Cheer actually has lower median home values ($47,900 vs $104,300).

Median household income in Laurel is $59,167 compared to $49,688 in What Cheer (+19.1%). While Laurel is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Laurel spend roughly 14.5% of their income on rent, less than the 19.7% in What Cheer.

Climate-wise, What Cheer is notably warmer with an average of 50.7°F compared to 47.7°F in Laurel. What Cheer receives more rainfall at 37" per year compared to 32.8" in Laurel.