Marshalltown, IA vs Waterloo, IA

Marshalltown, IA and Waterloo, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.8% difference in their overall index. Marshalltown scores 68 while Waterloo scores 70 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 Marshalltown is $864/month compared to $896/month in Waterloo — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marshalltown is more affordable at $117,100 median vs $150,200.

Median household income in Marshalltown is $68,854 compared to $56,344 in Waterloo (+22.2%). Marshalltown offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Marshalltown spend roughly 15.1% of their income on rent, less than the 19.1% in Waterloo.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (47.7°F vs 49°F). Waterloo receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 32.8" in Marshalltown.