Spencer, IA vs Winterset, IA

Spencer is moderately more affordable than Winterset, with a 7.1% lower cost of living index. Spencer scores 71 compared to 76 for Winterset, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Winterset can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Spencer is $795/month compared to $943/month in Winterset — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Spencer is more affordable at $178,300 median vs $181,500.

Median household income in Spencer is $57,068 compared to $69,268 in Winterset (-17.6%). While Winterset is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Spencer spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, more than the 16.3% in Winterset.

Climate-wise, Winterset is notably warmer with an average of 50.9°F compared to 46.8°F in Spencer. Winterset receives more rainfall at 36.6" per year compared to 26.8" in Spencer.