Cushing, IA vs Elk Horn, IA

Cushing is moderately more affordable than Elk Horn, with a 6.5% lower cost of living index. Cushing scores 58 compared to 62 for Elk Horn, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Elk Horn can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Cushing is $725/month compared to $643/month in Elk Horn — a 13% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Elk Horn has cheaper rent, Cushing actually has lower median home values ($57,700 vs $125,300).

Median household income in Cushing is $70,139 compared to $60,000 in Elk Horn (+16.9%). Cushing offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Cushing spend roughly 12.4% of their income on rent, less than the 12.9% in Elk Horn.