Mediapolis, IA vs Stratford, IA

The cost of living difference between Mediapolis, IA and Stratford, IA is dramatic. Stratford is 33.1% cheaper than Mediapolis, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Mediapolis has a cost index of 75 while Stratford sits at 56, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Mediapolis is $968/month compared to $580/month in Stratford — a 67% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Stratford is more affordable at $81,100 median vs $167,300.

Median household income in Mediapolis is $71,250 compared to $40,833 in Stratford (+74.5%). 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% in Stratford.

Climate-wise, Mediapolis is notably warmer with an average of 51.9°F compared to 48.6°F in Stratford. Mediapolis receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 35.9" in Stratford.