Performance
Score Breakdown
Urbandale
Policoro
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Policoro is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
7% higher compared to Urbandale.
| Metric | Urbandale | Policoro | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,021 | $990 | +3% |
| Groceries | $400 | $408 | -2% |
| Utilities | $141 | $186 | -24% |
| Transport | $125 | $46 | +172% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $93 | +61% |
| Monthly Total | $1,837 | $1,723 | +7% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 55 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Urbandale offers 69% 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 $28,000 in Policoro.
| Metric | Urbandale | Policoro |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,170 | $32,634 |
| Salary Needed | $40,840 | $28,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,300 idx | 59,335 idx |
| Household Income | $112,795 | $30,000 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Urbandale | Policoro |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 55.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
Policoro scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Policoro leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Urbandale | Policoro |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 32.0/10 | 70.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Urbandale is the larger city
— approximately 2.8x the population of Policoro.
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 | Policoro |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 49,154 | 17,727 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | 0.10% |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 44.1 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 7.00% |
| 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.
Policoro
Advantages
Beautiful sandy beaches and clear Ionian waters, ideal for relaxation and water sports.
Rich historical and archaeological sites, including the National Archaeological Museum of Siritide and ancient Greek ruins.
Presence of the WWF Oasis Policoro Herakleia Nature Reserve, offering opportunities for nature walks and wildlife observation.
Strong agricultural sector, famous for high-quality fruit production, especially strawberries.
Relatively affordable cost of living and housing compared to major Italian cities.
Drawbacks
Limited public transportation options, leading to a medium car dependency for broader mobility.
Lack of specific, comprehensive data for many economic and social metrics, making detailed analysis challenging.
Agricultural sector faces challenges, with calls for EU funding to support food production.
Job market, while supported by agriculture and tourism, may lack diversity compared to larger urban centers.
Healthcare facilities are primarily centered around one main hospital, potentially requiring travel for highly specialized care.
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
Policoro
#8Basilicata, Italy
70.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$990
Avg Salary
$32,634
Cost Index
55
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
70.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.10%
Unemployment
7.00%
Livability
78
Business
60
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