Ottumwa, IA vs Spencer, IA

Ottumwa, IA and Spencer, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.1% difference in their overall index. Ottumwa scores 68 while Spencer scores 71 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 Ottumwa is $956/month compared to $795/month in Spencer — a 20% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Spencer has cheaper rent, Ottumwa actually has lower median home values ($92,400 vs $178,300).

Median household income in Ottumwa is $56,994 compared to $57,068 in Spencer (-0.1%). Spencer does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Ottumwa spend roughly 20.1% of their income on rent, more than the 16.7% in Spencer.

Climate-wise, Ottumwa is notably warmer with an average of 50.7°F compared to 46.8°F in Spencer. Ottumwa receives more rainfall at 37" per year compared to 26.8" in Spencer.