Eldridge, IA vs Spencer, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Spencer is 18.8% cheaper than Eldridge. With a cost index of 71 vs 84, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Spencer to Eldridge should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Eldridge is $845/month compared to $795/month in Spencer — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Spencer is more affordable at $178,300 median vs $329,400.

Median household income in Eldridge is $101,089 compared to $57,068 in Spencer (+77.1%). While Eldridge is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Eldridge spend roughly 10% of their income on rent, less than the 16.7% in Spencer.