Elgin, PA vs Mertztown, PA

Elgin is moderately more affordable than Mertztown, with a 12.7% lower cost of living index. Elgin scores 72 compared to 83 for Mertztown, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Mertztown can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Elgin is $1,083/month compared to $1,150/month in Mertztown — a 6% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elgin is more affordable at $88,600 median vs $173,300.

Median household income in Elgin is $59,479 compared to $64,318 in Mertztown (-7.5%). The higher salaries in Mertztown partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Elgin spend roughly 21.8% of their income on rent, more than the 21.5% in Mertztown.