Muscatine, IA vs Spencer, IA

Muscatine, IA and Spencer, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.3% difference in their overall index. Muscatine scores 74 while Spencer scores 71 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 Muscatine is $979/month compared to $795/month in Spencer — a 23% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Spencer has cheaper rent, Muscatine actually has lower median home values ($146,900 vs $178,300).

Median household income in Muscatine is $59,332 compared to $57,068 in Spencer (+4%). The higher salaries in Muscatine partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Muscatine spend roughly 19.8% of their income on rent, more than the 16.7% in Spencer.

Climate-wise, Muscatine is notably warmer with an average of 51.2°F compared to 46.8°F in Spencer. Muscatine receives more rainfall at 38.3" per year compared to 26.8" in Spencer.