Onawa, IA vs Primghar, IA

Onawa, IA and Primghar, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.1% difference in their overall index. Onawa scores 73 while Primghar scores 73 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 Onawa is $1,005/month compared to $975/month in Primghar — a 3% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Primghar has cheaper rent, Onawa actually has lower median home values ($125,700 vs $135,500).

Median household income in Onawa is $54,659 compared to $77,813 in Primghar (-29.8%). Primghar offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Onawa spend roughly 22.1% of their income on rent, more than the 15% in Primghar.

Climate-wise, Onawa is notably warmer with an average of 50.1°F compared to 46.8°F in Primghar. Onawa receives more rainfall at 28.3" per year compared to 26.8" in Primghar.