City Comparison
Council Bluffs vs Aiken
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Council Bluffs scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Council Bluffs
Aiken
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Council Bluffs is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
15% lower than in Aiken.
Housing costs are a major driver: Council Bluffs's average rent is
18% lower than Aiken's.
| Metric | Council Bluffs | Aiken | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,150 | $1,400 | -18% |
| Groceries | $380 | $400 | -5% |
| Utilities | $170 | $236 | -28% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $2,040 | $2,406 | -15% |
| Cost Index | 91 | 89 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Aiken offers 12% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Aiken delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Council Bluffs is estimated at
$48,000 vs $55,000 in Aiken.
| Metric | Council Bluffs | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $65,884 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,736 idx | 74,027 idx |
| Household Income | $62,500 | $76,746 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Council Bluffs runs warmer on average — a 53°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Council Bluffs comes out ahead with 269 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Council Bluffs sees 22.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Council Bluffs | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.00°F | °F |
| Summer High | 84.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 16.70°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 30.60 in | in |
| Snowfall | 22.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 269 | |
| Humidity | 68.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Council Bluffs has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Aiken.
Council Bluffs scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Aiken leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Council Bluffs | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 18 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Council Bluffs is the larger city
— approximately 1.8x the population of Aiken.
From a growth perspective, Aiken is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Council Bluffs has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Council Bluffs | Aiken |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 59,400 | 33,306 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 38.2 | 46.6 |
| Unemployment | 3.20% | 3.40% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Council Bluffs
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living are significantly lower than the national average per Census and Zillow data.
Direct proximity to Omaha, Nebraska provides immediate access to major metropolitan amenities, arts, and employment.
Abundant outdoor recreation options, including Lake Manawa State Park and extensive regional trail networks.
Robust local healthcare infrastructure anchored by CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs and nearby regional medical centers.
Rich historical heritage combined with ongoing modern economic investments and industrial growth.
Drawbacks
Winter weather brings cold temperatures and average snowfall requiring active seasonal maintenance.
Public transit options are limited compared to major metropolitan cores, creating high reliance on personal vehicles.
Certain commercial and urban areas experience property crime rates slightly above the national median.
Local average wages can lag behind higher-cost metropolitan areas, necessitating commuting for certain specialized careers.
Variable spring weather brings the potential for severe regional storms and weather advisories.
Aiken
Advantages
The cost of living in Aiken is approximately 11% lower than the national average.
Aiken boasts a higher homeownership rate of 68.1% as of 2024.
The city offers a mild climate with ample opportunities for outdoor activities and a vibrant downtown.
Aiken County's unemployment rate of 3.4% in April 2026 is lower than the national average.
The average commute time of 24 minutes is considered manageable.
Drawbacks
Aiken's transportation system is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options.
The city's safety index of 30 suggests a higher crime rate compared to national benchmarks.
Aiken County's poverty rate of 14.3% is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
While the downtown is walkable, the city overall has a lower walkability score due to car dependency.
Some utility costs are reported to be slightly higher than the national average.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Council Bluffs
#261Iowa, USA
62.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,150
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
91
Commute
18 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
269/yr
Avg Temp
53.00°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.20%
Livability
75
Business
70
Aiken
#322South Carolina, USA
60.6 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,400
Avg Salary
$65,884
Cost Index
89
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
55.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
72
Business
65
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