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Peosta, IA vs Red Oak, IA

87
Peosta
Iowa
VS
+38.4%
63
Red Oak
Iowa

The cost of living difference between Peosta, IA and Red Oak, IA is dramatic. Red Oak is 38.4% cheaper than Peosta, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Peosta has a cost index of 87 while Red Oak sits at 63, 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 Peosta is $1,031/month compared to $768/month in Red Oak — a 34% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Red Oak is more affordable at $91,600 median vs $304,600.

Median household income in Peosta is $120,375 compared to $52,996 in Red Oak (+127.1%). While Peosta is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Peosta spend roughly 10.3% of their income on rent, less than the 17.4% in Red Oak.

Climate-wise, Red Oak is notably warmer with an average of 52.4°F compared to 47.2°F in Peosta. Peosta receives more rainfall at 38.2" per year compared to 31.9" in Red Oak.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Peosta
87
Red Oak
63
28% cheaper
Median Household Income
Peosta
$120,375
56% higher
Red Oak
$52,996

Housing

Median Rent
Peosta
$1,031
Red Oak
$768
26% cheaper
Median Home Value
Peosta
$304,600
Red Oak
$91,600
70% cheaper
Population
Peosta
1,922
Red Oak
5,542

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Peosta $2.96
Red Oak $2.96
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Peosta $2.42
Red Oak $2.41
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Peosta $3.89
Red Oak $3.89
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Peosta $1.79
Red Oak $1.79
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Peosta $4.00
Red Oak $4.00
US $4.14
Electricity
Peosta $0.16
Red Oak $0.15
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Peosta 47.2°F
Red Oak 52.4°F
Summer High
Peosta 82°F
Red Oak 88°F
Winter Low
Peosta 11°F
Red Oak 15°F
Rainfall
Peosta 38.2"
Red Oak 31.9"
Rainy Days
Peosta 118d
Red Oak 103d