Storm Lake, IA vs Waukee, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Storm Lake is 28.5% cheaper than Waukee. With a cost index of 70 vs 98, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Storm Lake to Waukee should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Storm Lake is $830/month compared to $1,290/month in Waukee — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Storm Lake is more affordable at $163,600 median vs $328,200.

Median household income in Storm Lake is $58,341 compared to $106,728 in Waukee (-45.3%). While Waukee is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Storm Lake spend roughly 17.1% of their income on rent, more than the 14.5% in Waukee.

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