Lost Nation, IA vs New Sharon, IA

Lost Nation, IA and New Sharon, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.2% difference in their overall index. Lost Nation scores 58 while New Sharon scores 59 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 Lost Nation is $658/month compared to $564/month in New Sharon — a 17% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while New Sharon has cheaper rent, Lost Nation actually has lower median home values ($74,500 vs $125,000).

Median household income in Lost Nation is $51,000 compared to $60,000 in New Sharon (-15%). While New Sharon is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Lost Nation spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, more than the 11.3% in New Sharon.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.9°F vs 50.7°F). New Sharon receives more rainfall at 37" per year compared to 36.2" in Lost Nation.