Ackley, IA vs Ellsworth, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Ackley is 15.4% cheaper than Ellsworth. With a cost index of 59 vs 70, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Ackley to Ellsworth should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ackley is $677/month compared to $931/month in Ellsworth — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ackley is more affordable at $99,200 median vs $125,000.

Median household income in Ackley is $61,667 compared to $73,021 in Ellsworth (-15.5%). While Ellsworth is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ackley spend roughly 13.2% of their income on rent, less than the 15.3% in Ellsworth.