Boyden, IA vs Ely, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Boyden is 18.2% cheaper than Ely. With a cost index of 69 vs 85, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Boyden to Ely should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Boyden is $765/month compared to $1,014/month in Ely — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Boyden is more affordable at $175,300 median vs $275,800.

Median household income in Boyden is $81,354 compared to $102,262 in Ely (-20.4%). 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 Boyden spend roughly 11.3% of their income on rent, less than the 11.9% in Ely.