Randolph, IA vs Riceville, IA

Randolph, IA and Riceville, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.2% difference in their overall index. Randolph scores 72 while Riceville 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 Randolph is $1,087/month compared to $1,016/month in Riceville — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Riceville is more affordable at $92,100 median vs $93,300.

Median household income in Randolph is $44,659 compared to $47,434 in Riceville (-5.9%). Riceville offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Randolph spend roughly 29.2% of their income on rent, more than the 25.7% in Riceville.

Climate-wise, Randolph is notably warmer with an average of 52.4°F compared to 44.8°F in Riceville. Riceville receives more rainfall at 34.7" per year compared to 31.9" in Randolph.