Pella, IA vs Waukon, IA

The cost of living difference between Pella, IA and Waukon, IA is dramatic. Waukon is 31.1% cheaper than Pella, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Pella has a cost index of 85 while Waukon sits at 65, 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 Pella is $1,041/month compared to $719/month in Waukon — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waukon is more affordable at $133,700 median vs $259,600.

Median household income in Pella is $81,201 compared to $56,250 in Waukon (+44.4%). While Pella is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Pella spend roughly 15.4% of their income on rent, more than the 15.3% in Waukon.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.5°F vs 48.1°F). Pella receives more rainfall at 36.6" per year compared to 33.9" in Waukon.