Randolph, IA vs Shelby, IA

Randolph, IA and Shelby, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.1% difference in their overall index. Randolph scores 72 while Shelby scores 72 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 $872/month in Shelby — a 25% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Shelby has cheaper rent, Randolph actually has lower median home values ($93,300 vs $156,300).

Median household income in Randolph is $44,659 compared to $60,333 in Shelby (-26%). Shelby 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 17.3% in Shelby.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (52.4°F vs 52.4°F). Shelby receives more rainfall at 31.9" per year compared to 31.9" in Randolph.