Rudd, IA vs Shell Rock, IA

Rudd, IA and Shell Rock, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.1% difference in their overall index. Rudd scores 67 while Shell Rock scores 67 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 Rudd is $866/month compared to $750/month in Shell Rock — a 16% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Shell Rock has cheaper rent, Rudd actually has lower median home values ($104,800 vs $159,100).

Median household income in Rudd is $74,000 compared to $70,556 in Shell Rock (+4.9%). While Rudd is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Rudd spend roughly 14% of their income on rent, more than the 12.8% in Shell Rock.

Climate-wise, Shell Rock is notably warmer with an average of 49°F compared to 45.6°F in Rudd. Shell Rock receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 36.3" in Rudd.