Albia, IA vs Elkader, IA

Albia, IA and Elkader, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.3% difference in their overall index. Albia scores 67 while Elkader scores 69 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Albia is $803/month compared to $851/month in Elkader — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Albia is more affordable at $132,500 median vs $134,300.

Median household income in Albia is $67,791 compared to $61,786 in Elkader (+9.7%). Albia offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Albia spend roughly 14.2% of their income on rent, less than the 16.5% in Elkader.