Newell, IA vs Rock Rapids, IA

Newell is moderately more affordable than Rock Rapids, with a 13.5% lower cost of living index. Newell 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 Newell is $717/month compared to $763/month in Rock Rapids — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Newell is more affordable at $106,300 median vs $207,700.

Median household income in Newell is $66,406 compared to $61,679 in Rock Rapids (+7.7%). Newell offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Newell spend roughly 13% of their income on rent, less than the 14.8% in Rock Rapids.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46.8°F vs 47.4°F). Rock Rapids receives more rainfall at 27.8" per year compared to 26.8" in Newell.