Elk Run Heights, IA vs Waucoma, IA

The cost of living difference between Elk Run Heights, IA and Waucoma, IA is dramatic. Waucoma is 42.3% 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 Waucoma sits at 58, 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 $588/month in Waucoma — a 113% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Waucoma is more affordable at $102,100 median vs $169,400.

Median household income in Elk Run Heights is $68,828 compared to $71,250 in Waucoma (-3.4%). Waucoma 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 9.9% in Waucoma.