Marion, IA vs Waukee, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Marion is 18.7% cheaper than Waukee. With a cost index of 80 vs 98, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Marion to Waukee should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Marion is $978/month compared to $1,290/month in Waukee — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marion is more affordable at $230,800 median vs $328,200.

Median household income in Marion is $87,105 compared to $106,728 in Waukee (-18.4%). The higher salaries in Waukee partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Marion spend roughly 13.5% of their income on rent, less than the 14.5% in Waukee.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (48.3°F vs 50.9°F). Waukee receives more rainfall at 36.6" per year compared to 35.9" in Marion.