Elk Run Heights, IA vs Grundy Center, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Grundy Center is 25.6% cheaper than Elk Run Heights. With a cost index of 66 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Grundy Center to Elk Run Heights should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elk Run Heights is $1,250/month compared to $684/month in Grundy Center — a 83% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Grundy Center has cheaper rent, Elk Run Heights actually has lower median home values ($169,400 vs $173,200).

Median household income in Elk Run Heights is $68,828 compared to $77,540 in Grundy Center (-11.2%). Grundy Center 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 Run Heights spend roughly 21.8% of their income on rent, more than the 10.6% in Grundy Center.