Maquoketa, IA vs Spencer, IA

Maquoketa is moderately more affordable than Spencer, with a 8.1% lower cost of living index. Maquoketa scores 65 compared to 71 for Spencer, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Spencer can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Maquoketa is $745/month compared to $795/month in Spencer — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Maquoketa is more affordable at $126,800 median vs $178,300.

Median household income in Maquoketa is $56,039 compared to $57,068 in Spencer (-1.8%). Spencer 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 Maquoketa spend roughly 16% of their income on rent, less than the 16.7% in Spencer.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (47.2°F vs 46.8°F). Maquoketa receives more rainfall at 38.2" per year compared to 26.8" in Spencer.