Clare, IA vs Ellsworth, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Clare is 17.7% cheaper than Ellsworth. With a cost index of 58 vs 70, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Clare to Ellsworth should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clare is $650/month compared to $931/month in Ellsworth — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Clare is more affordable at $77,500 median vs $125,000.

Median household income in Clare is $83,750 compared to $73,021 in Ellsworth (+14.7%). Clare offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Clare spend roughly 9.3% of their income on rent, less than the 15.3% in Ellsworth.