Mount Pleasant, IA vs Ottumwa, IA

Mount Pleasant, IA and Ottumwa, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.2% difference in their overall index. Mount Pleasant scores 68 while Ottumwa scores 68 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 Mount Pleasant is $773/month compared to $956/month in Ottumwa — a 19% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Mount Pleasant has cheaper rent, Ottumwa actually has lower median home values ($92,400 vs $145,600).

Median household income in Mount Pleasant is $59,216 compared to $56,994 in Ottumwa (+3.9%). Mount Pleasant offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Mount Pleasant spend roughly 15.7% of their income on rent, less than the 20.1% in Ottumwa.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.9°F vs 50.7°F). Mount Pleasant receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 37" in Ottumwa.