Waterloo, IA vs Waukee, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Waterloo is 28.7% 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 Waterloo to Waukee should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Waterloo is $896/month compared to $1,290/month in Waukee — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waterloo is more affordable at $150,200 median vs $328,200.

Median household income in Waterloo is $56,344 compared to $106,728 in Waukee (-47.2%). 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 Waterloo spend roughly 19.1% of their income on rent, more than the 14.5% in Waukee.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49°F vs 50.9°F). Waukee receives more rainfall at 36.6" per year compared to 36.3" in Waterloo.