Ottumwa, IA vs Urbandale, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ottumwa is 27.5% cheaper than Urbandale. With a cost index of 68 vs 94, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ottumwa to Urbandale should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ottumwa is $956/month compared to $1,176/month in Urbandale — a 19% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ottumwa is more affordable at $92,400 median vs $318,800.

Median household income in Ottumwa is $56,994 compared to $113,086 in Urbandale (-49.6%). While Urbandale 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 12.5% in Urbandale.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.7°F vs 50.9°F). Ottumwa receives more rainfall at 37" per year compared to 36.6" in Urbandale.