Maquoketa, IA vs Rockwell City, IA

Maquoketa, IA and Rockwell City, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.1% difference in their overall index. Maquoketa scores 65 while Rockwell City scores 63 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 Maquoketa is $745/month compared to $797/month in Rockwell City — a 7% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Maquoketa has cheaper rent, Rockwell City actually has lower median home values ($91,300 vs $126,800).

Median household income in Maquoketa is $56,039 compared to $61,563 in Rockwell City (-9%). Rockwell City offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Maquoketa spend roughly 16% of their income on rent, more than the 15.5% in Rockwell City.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (47.2°F vs 48.6°F). Maquoketa receives more rainfall at 38.2" per year compared to 35.9" in Rockwell City.