Mediapolis, IA vs Red Oak, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Red Oak is 18.6% cheaper than Mediapolis. With a cost index of 63 vs 75, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Red Oak to Mediapolis should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Mediapolis is $968/month compared to $768/month in Red Oak — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Red Oak is more affordable at $91,600 median vs $167,300.

Median household income in Mediapolis is $71,250 compared to $52,996 in Red Oak (+34.4%). While Mediapolis is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Mediapolis spend roughly 16.3% of their income on rent, less than the 17.4% in Red Oak.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 52.4°F). Mediapolis receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 31.9" in Red Oak.