Union, IA vs Van Wert, IA

Van Wert is moderately more affordable than Union, with a 6% lower cost of living index. Union scores 61 compared to 58 for Van Wert, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Union can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Union is $775/month compared to $688/month in Van Wert — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Van Wert is more affordable at $62,300 median vs $72,600.

Median household income in Union is $60,000 compared to $58,750 in Van Wert (+2.1%). Union 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 Union spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, more than the 14.1% in Van Wert.

Climate-wise, Van Wert is notably warmer with an average of 51.6°F compared to 47.7°F in Union. Van Wert receives more rainfall at 37.4" per year compared to 32.8" in Union.