Elk Run Heights, IA vs Marengo, IA

The cost of living difference between Elk Run Heights, IA and Marengo, IA is dramatic. Marengo is 31.6% cheaper than Elk Run Heights, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Elk Run Heights has a cost index of 83 while Marengo sits at 63, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Elk Run Heights is $1,250/month compared to $722/month in Marengo — a 73% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Marengo is more affordable at $114,100 median vs $169,400.

Median household income in Elk Run Heights is $68,828 compared to $58,125 in Marengo (+18.4%). The higher salaries in Elk Run Heights partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Elk Run Heights spend roughly 21.8% of their income on rent, more than the 14.9% in Marengo.