Mediapolis, IA vs Winterset, IA

Mediapolis, IA and Winterset, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.4% difference in their overall index. Mediapolis scores 75 while Winterset scores 76 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 Mediapolis is $968/month compared to $943/month in Winterset — a 3% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Winterset has cheaper rent, Mediapolis actually has lower median home values ($167,300 vs $181,500).

Median household income in Mediapolis is $71,250 compared to $69,268 in Winterset (+2.9%). Mediapolis offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Mediapolis spend roughly 16.3% of their income on rent, less than the 16.3% in Winterset.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 50.9°F). Mediapolis receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 36.6" in Winterset.