Newton, IA vs Osceola, IA

Newton, IA and Osceola, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.5% difference in their overall index. Newton scores 70 while Osceola scores 69 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 Newton is $828/month compared to $832/month in Osceola — a 1% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Newton has cheaper rent, Osceola actually has lower median home values ($145,300 vs $151,600).

Median household income in Newton is $56,321 compared to $62,363 in Osceola (-9.7%). Osceola offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Newton spend roughly 17.6% of their income on rent, more than the 16% in Osceola.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.5°F vs 51.6°F). Osceola receives more rainfall at 37.4" per year compared to 36.6" in Newton.