Manly, IA vs Story City, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Manly is 20.2% cheaper than Story City. With a cost index of 62 vs 78, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Manly to Story City should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Manly is $701/month compared to $956/month in Story City — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Manly is more affordable at $110,900 median vs $205,800.

Median household income in Manly is $67,083 compared to $73,558 in Story City (-8.8%). Story City does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Manly spend roughly 12.5% of their income on rent, less than the 15.6% in Story City.

Climate-wise, Story City is notably warmer with an average of 48.6°F compared to 45.6°F in Manly. Manly receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 35.9" in Story City.