Ottumwa, IA vs West Des Moines, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ottumwa is 25.8% cheaper than West Des Moines. With a cost index of 68 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ottumwa to West Des Moines should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ottumwa is $956/month compared to $1,194/month in West Des Moines — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ottumwa is more affordable at $92,400 median vs $286,300.

Median household income in Ottumwa is $56,994 compared to $84,925 in West Des Moines (-32.9%). While West Des Moines 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 16.9% in West Des Moines.

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 West Des Moines.