Home / Compare / Alta vs Elmira

Alta, CA vs Elmira, CA

117
Alta
California
VS
+12.9%
103
Elmira
California

Elmira is moderately more affordable than Alta, with a 12.9% lower cost of living index. Alta scores 117 compared to 103 for Elmira, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Alta can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

Median household income in Alta is $94,718 compared to $103,476 in Elmira (-8.5%). Elmira offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Alta
117
Elmira
103
11% cheaper
Median Household Income
Alta
$94,718
Elmira
$103,476
8% higher

Housing

Median Rent
Alta
Elmira
Median Home Value
Alta
$468,200
Elmira
Population
Alta
740
Elmira
248

Salary Equivalency Calculator

What does your salary in one city buy you in the other?

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Rent by Bedroom Size

HUD Fair Market Rent (FY 2026) — metro area average

Studio
Alta $1,784
Elmira $1,130
37% cheaper
1 Bed
Alta $1,871
Elmira $1,240
34% cheaper
2 Bed
Alta $2,305
Elmira $1,580
31% cheaper
3 Bed
Alta $3,077
Elmira $2,110
31% cheaper
4 Bed
Alta $3,552
Elmira $2,390
33% cheaper

Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Alta $3.22
Elmira $3.22
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Alta $2.62
Elmira $2.62
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Alta $4.22
Elmira $4.22
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Alta $1.94
Elmira $1.94
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Alta $4.35
Elmira $4.35
US $4.14
Electricity
Alta $0.26
Elmira $0.26
US $0.19