Armstrong, IA vs Ely, IA

The cost of living difference between Armstrong, IA and Ely, IA is dramatic. Armstrong is 31.6% cheaper than Ely, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Armstrong has a cost index of 58 while Ely sits at 85, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Armstrong is $632/month compared to $1,014/month in Ely — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Armstrong is more affordable at $86,400 median vs $275,800.

Median household income in Armstrong is $52,279 compared to $102,262 in Ely (-48.9%). While Ely is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Armstrong spend roughly 14.5% of their income on rent, more than the 11.9% in Ely.