Ottumwa, IA vs Pella, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ottumwa is 19.2% cheaper than Pella. With a cost index of 68 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ottumwa to Pella should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ottumwa is $956/month compared to $1,041/month in Pella — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ottumwa is more affordable at $92,400 median vs $259,600.

Median household income in Ottumwa is $56,994 compared to $81,201 in Pella (-29.8%). While Pella is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ottumwa spend roughly 20.1% of their income on rent, more than the 15.4% in Pella.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.7°F vs 49.5°F). Ottumwa receives more rainfall at 37" per year compared to 36.6" in Pella.