Performance
Score Breakdown
Urbandale
Ragusa
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Ragusa is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
54% higher compared to Urbandale.
Housing costs are a major driver: Urbandale's average rent is
136% higher than Ragusa's.
| Metric | Urbandale | Ragusa | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,021 | $432 | +136% |
| Groceries | $400 | $380 | +5% |
| Utilities | $141 | $217 | -35% |
| Transport | $125 | $60 | +108% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $100 | +50% |
| Monthly Total | $1,837 | $1,189 | +54% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 55 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Urbandale offers 191% 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 $25,000 in Ragusa.
| Metric | Urbandale | Ragusa |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $55,170 | $18,948 |
| Salary Needed | $40,840 | $25,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 61,300 idx | 34,451 idx |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Urbandale | Ragusa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | 68.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Urbandale has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Ragusa.
Urbandale scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Ragusa leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Urbandale | Ragusa |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 25 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 32.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Ragusa is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Urbandale.
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 | Ragusa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 49,154 | 74,030 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | 0.34% |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 44.0 |
| 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.
Ragusa
Advantages
Ragusa is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering rich Baroque architecture and cultural significance.
The city boasts a growing industrial sector, providing economic dynamism and job opportunities.
Housing costs are relatively affordable, with a 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costing approximately $432/month as of November 2025.
The region is a major agricultural producer, particularly of greenhouse vegetables, fruits, and dairy products.
Tourism is a significant and growing industry, offering employment and a vibrant atmosphere, especially along the coast.
Drawbacks
Public transportation within Ragusa and the province is challenging to navigate and often lacks comprehensive information.
The broader municipal area is largely car-dependent, with low walkability scores outside the historic center.
Specific data for median household income and unemployment rate for Ragusa city are not readily available for recent years (2024-2026).
The average monthly net salary in Ragusa, at approximately $1,579, is modest compared to national GDP per capita.
The province lacks motorways, which can limit connectivity and travel efficiency.
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
Ragusa
#1Sicily, Italy
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$432
Avg Salary
$18,948
Cost Index
55
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
45.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.34%
Unemployment
6.39%
Livability
82
Business
70
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