Parnell, IA vs Washburn, IA

Parnell, IA and Washburn, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.1% difference in their overall index. Parnell scores 71 while Washburn scores 70 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 Parnell is $950/month compared to $930/month in Washburn — a 2% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Washburn has cheaper rent, Parnell actually has lower median home values ($118,800 vs $133,900).

Median household income in Parnell is $56,667 compared to $75,278 in Washburn (-24.7%). Washburn offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Parnell spend roughly 20.1% of their income on rent, more than the 14.8% in Washburn.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (51°F vs 49°F). Washburn receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 35.7" in Parnell.