Performance
Score Breakdown
Urbandale
Fénis
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Fénis is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
5% higher compared to Urbandale.
| Metric | Urbandale | Fénis | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,021 | $950 | +7% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $141 | $200 | -30% |
| Transport | $125 | $100 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $100 | +50% |
| Monthly Total | $1,837 | $1,750 | +5% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 75 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Urbandale offers 26% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Urbandale delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Urbandale is estimated at
$40,840 vs $38,000 in Fénis.
| Metric | Urbandale | Fénis |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,170 | $43,670 |
| Salary Needed | $40,840 | $38,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,300 idx | 58,227 idx |
| Household Income | $112,795 | $48,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Urbandale | Fénis |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Urbandale has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Fénis.
Fénis scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Fénis leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Urbandale | Fénis |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 28 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 32.0/10 | 60.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Urbandale is the larger city
— approximately 27.6x the population of Fénis.
From a growth perspective, Urbandale is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Urbandale has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Urbandale | Fénis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 49,154 | 1,779 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | % |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 47.0 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 5.50% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Urbandale
Advantages
Urbandale boasts a very low crime rate, being 66% lower than the national average, making it one of Iowa's safest sizeable cities.
The cost of living in Urbandale is 10% lower than the national average, with housing and utility expenses being particularly affordable.
The city offers a high quality of life, supported by numerous parks, extensive trail systems, and a strong sense of community.
Urbandale has a thriving economy with a 2.25% job growth rate from 2023 to 2024, driven by strong sectors like Finance & Insurance and Healthcare.
Public schools accessible to Urbandale residents generally perform above the state average, contributing to a high quality of life.
Drawbacks
Urbandale is largely car-dependent, with a low Walk Score of 32, meaning most errands require a vehicle.
While DART bus routes exist, the public transit system is not extensive, leading to a low Transit Score.
There are no major general hospitals located directly within Urbandale's city limits, requiring residents to travel to nearby Des Moines for comprehensive hospital care.
The city's lifestyle, while safe and family-friendly, is sometimes described as lacking a vibrant nightlife or particularly exciting entertainment options.
Despite overall affordability, the median property value in Urbandale is slightly above the national average, which could be a barrier for some homebuyers.
Fénis
Advantages
Home to the iconic Fénis Castle, a major historical and tourist attraction.
Very high safety score, reflecting a tranquil and secure living environment.
Excellent access to outdoor activities, including hiking and proximity to ski resorts.
Good public transport connections to the regional capital, Aosta, via bus and nearby train.
High quality of life due to natural beauty, cultural heritage, and peaceful atmosphere.
Drawbacks
Limited specific local job market data, with reliance on regional opportunities.
Cost of living is higher than the national average for Italy.
Car dependency is medium due to mountainous terrain and for broader exploration.
Limited entertainment and dining options compared to larger urban centers.
Slight negative population growth rate in the broader Aosta Valley region.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Urbandale
#6Iowa, USA
78.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,021
Avg Salary
$55,170
Cost Index
90
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
35.0/10
Walkability
32.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
90
Business
75
Fénis
#1Aosta Valley, Italy
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$43,670
Cost Index
75
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
60.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
5.50%
Livability
80
Business
60
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