Performance
Score Breakdown
Urbandale
Paternò
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Paternò is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
109% higher compared to Urbandale.
| Metric | Urbandale | Paternò | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,021 | $0 | 0% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $141 | $208 | -32% |
| Transport | $125 | $120 | +4% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $100 | +50% |
| Monthly Total | $1,837 | $878 | +109% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 68 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Urbandale offers similar average salaries.
| Metric | Urbandale | Paternò |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,170 | $0 |
| Salary Needed | $40,840 | $0 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Urbandale | Paternò |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Urbandale has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Paternò.
Urbandale scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Urbandale leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Urbandale | Paternò |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Walkability | 32.0/10 | 0.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Urbandale is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Paternò.
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 | Paternò |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 49,154 | 44,502 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | % |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 43.1 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 6.39% |
| 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.
Paternò
Advantages
Relatively affordable cost of living compared to major European cities and the US.
Rich historical and cultural heritage, including the Norman castle and numerous churches.
High quality and affordability of local food, especially fresh produce and traditional Sicilian cuisine.
Beautiful natural surroundings, including proximity to Mount Etna and agricultural landscapes.
Significant investment in the local 'Ss Salvatore' hospital for revitalization and improvement (announced July 2026).
Drawbacks
Healthcare system in Sicily, including Paternò, ranks among the worst in Italy with long waiting times.
Lack of specific recent data on job market growth and new business development for the city.
Limited public transportation options within Paternò itself, leading to medium car dependency.
Higher gasoline prices compared to many other European countries.
Negative population growth rate observed between 2021 and 2026.
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
Paternò
#13Sicily, Italy
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
68
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
6.39%
Livability
68
Business
50
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