Malvern, IA vs Packwood, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Packwood is 18.2% cheaper than Malvern. With a cost index of 61 vs 72, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Packwood to Malvern should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Malvern is $843/month compared to $750/month in Packwood — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Packwood is more affordable at $79,100 median vs $173,900.

Median household income in Malvern is $82,027 compared to $43,750 in Packwood (+87.5%). While Malvern is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Malvern spend roughly 12.3% of their income on rent, less than the 20.6% in Packwood.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.4°F vs 50.7°F). Packwood receives more rainfall at 37" per year compared to 31.9" in Malvern.