Olin, IA vs West Union, IA

Olin is moderately more affordable than West Union, with a 10.9% lower cost of living index. Olin scores 63 compared to 71 for West Union, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of West Union can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Olin is $775/month compared to $925/month in West Union — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Olin is more affordable at $98,500 median vs $133,200.

Median household income in Olin is $67,120 compared to $50,909 in West Union (+31.8%). Olin offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Olin spend roughly 13.9% of their income on rent, less than the 21.8% in West Union.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (48.3°F vs 49°F). West Union receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 35.9" in Olin.