Muscatine, IA vs West Des Moines, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Muscatine is 20.2% cheaper than West Des Moines. With a cost index of 74 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Muscatine to West Des Moines should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Muscatine is $979/month compared to $1,194/month in West Des Moines — a 18% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Muscatine is more affordable at $146,900 median vs $286,300.

Median household income in Muscatine is $59,332 compared to $84,925 in West Des Moines (-30.1%). While West Des Moines is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Muscatine spend roughly 19.8% of their income on rent, more than the 16.9% in West Des Moines.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51.2°F vs 50.9°F). Muscatine receives more rainfall at 38.3" per year compared to 36.6" in West Des Moines.