Elk Horn, IA vs Paton, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Paton is 16.4% cheaper than Elk Horn. With a cost index of 53 vs 62, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Paton to Elk Horn should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elk Horn is $643/month compared to $500/month in Paton — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Paton is more affordable at $70,000 median vs $125,300.

Median household income in Elk Horn is $60,000 compared to $62,292 in Paton (-3.7%). Paton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Elk Horn spend roughly 12.9% of their income on rent, more than the 9.6% in Paton.