Shelby, IA vs Sumner, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Sumner is 23.3% cheaper than Shelby. With a cost index of 58 vs 72, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Sumner to Shelby should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Shelby is $872/month compared to $598/month in Sumner — a 46% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sumner is more affordable at $111,900 median vs $156,300.

Median household income in Shelby is $60,333 compared to $56,174 in Sumner (+7.4%). Shelby does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Shelby spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, more than the 12.8% in Sumner.

Climate-wise, Shelby is notably warmer with an average of 52.4°F compared to 49°F in Sumner. Sumner receives more rainfall at 36.3" per year compared to 31.9" in Shelby.