Stuart, IA vs Whittemore, IA
There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Whittemore is 25.2% cheaper than Stuart. With a cost index of 55 vs 68, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Whittemore to Stuart should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.
On the housing front, median rent in Stuart is $768/month compared to $508/month in Whittemore — a 51% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Whittemore is more affordable at $88,700 median vs $152,300.
Median household income in Stuart is $62,500 compared to $77,054 in Whittemore (-18.9%). Whittemore offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Stuart spend roughly 14.7% of their income on rent, more than the 7.9% in Whittemore.
Climate-wise, Stuart is notably warmer with an average of 50.9°F compared to 44.6°F in Whittemore. Stuart receives more rainfall at 36.6" per year compared to 29.3" in Whittemore.
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Climate
NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)