Elgin, IA vs Rockwell City, IA

Elgin is moderately more affordable than Rockwell City, with a 8.3% lower cost of living index. Elgin scores 58 compared to 63 for Rockwell City, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Rockwell City can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Elgin is $634/month compared to $797/month in Rockwell City — a 21% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elgin is more affordable at $87,300 median vs $91,300.

Median household income in Elgin is $60,114 compared to $61,563 in Rockwell City (-2.4%). Rockwell City does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Elgin spend roughly 12.7% of their income on rent, less than the 15.5% in Rockwell City.