Merrill, IA vs Rock Rapids, IA

Merrill is moderately more affordable than Rock Rapids, with a 13.4% lower cost of living index. Merrill scores 62 compared to 72 for Rock Rapids, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Rock Rapids can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Merrill is $581/month compared to $763/month in Rock Rapids — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Merrill is more affordable at $157,200 median vs $207,700.

Median household income in Merrill is $79,250 compared to $61,679 in Rock Rapids (+28.5%). Merrill offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Merrill spend roughly 8.8% of their income on rent, less than the 14.8% in Rock Rapids.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (48.4°F vs 47.4°F). Merrill receives more rainfall at 29.3" per year compared to 27.8" in Rock Rapids.