Oxford, IA vs Sumner, IA

The cost of living difference between Oxford, IA and Sumner, IA is dramatic. Sumner is 31.8% cheaper than Oxford, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Oxford has a cost index of 77 while Sumner sits at 58, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Oxford is $917/month compared to $598/month in Sumner — a 53% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sumner is more affordable at $111,900 median vs $202,200.

Median household income in Oxford is $73,869 compared to $56,174 in Sumner (+31.5%). The higher salaries in Oxford partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Oxford spend roughly 14.9% of their income on rent, more than the 12.8% in Sumner.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (48.3°F vs 49°F). Sumner receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 35.9" in Oxford.