Elgin, ND vs Surrey, ND

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Elgin is 26.6% cheaper than Surrey. With a cost index of 60 vs 81, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Elgin to Surrey should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elgin is $649/month compared to $846/month in Surrey — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elgin is more affordable at $111,400 median vs $302,200.

Median household income in Elgin is $40,000 compared to $105,125 in Surrey (-62%). While Surrey is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elgin spend roughly 19.5% of their income on rent, more than the 9.7% in Surrey.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (42.3°F vs 43.4°F). Surrey receives more rainfall at 16.7" per year compared to 14.3" in Elgin.