Lenox, IA vs Stanhope, IA

Stanhope is moderately more affordable than Lenox, with a 10.2% lower cost of living index. Lenox scores 64 compared to 58 for Stanhope, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Lenox can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Lenox is $759/month compared to $564/month in Stanhope — a 35% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Stanhope has cheaper rent, Lenox actually has lower median home values ($106,000 vs $106,400).

Median household income in Lenox is $59,750 compared to $64,479 in Stanhope (-7.3%). Stanhope offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Lenox spend roughly 15.2% of their income on rent, more than the 10.5% in Stanhope.

Climate-wise, Lenox is notably warmer with an average of 51.6°F compared to 48.6°F in Stanhope. Lenox receives more rainfall at 37.4" per year compared to 35.9" in Stanhope.