Raymond, IA vs West Branch, IA

Raymond, IA and West Branch, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.9% difference in their overall index. Raymond scores 82 while West Branch scores 80 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 Raymond is $1,125/month compared to $958/month in West Branch — a 17% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while West Branch has cheaper rent, Raymond actually has lower median home values ($210,400 vs $226,700).

Median household income in Raymond is $62,813 compared to $87,891 in West Branch (-28.5%). West Branch offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Raymond spend roughly 21.5% of their income on rent, more than the 13.1% in West Branch.

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