Marengo, IA vs Rockwell, IA

Marengo, IA and Rockwell, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.8% difference in their overall index. Marengo scores 63 while Rockwell scores 60 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 Marengo is $722/month compared to $539/month in Rockwell — a 34% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Rockwell has cheaper rent, Marengo actually has lower median home values ($114,100 vs $142,600).

Median household income in Marengo is $58,125 compared to $58,850 in Rockwell (-1.2%). Rockwell offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Marengo spend roughly 14.9% of their income on rent, more than the 11% in Rockwell.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (48.3°F vs 45.6°F). Rockwell receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 35.9" in Marengo.