Melvin, IA vs Newell, IA

Melvin is moderately more affordable than Newell, with a 12.9% lower cost of living index. Melvin scores 54 compared to 62 for Newell, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Newell can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Melvin is $600/month compared to $717/month in Newell — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Melvin is more affordable at $51,500 median vs $106,300.

Median household income in Melvin is $65,795 compared to $66,406 in Newell (-0.9%). Newell does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Melvin spend roughly 10.9% of their income on rent, less than the 13% in Newell.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46.8°F vs 46.8°F). Newell receives more rainfall at 26.8" per year compared to 26.8" in Melvin.