Elkader, IA vs Saylorville, IA

The cost of living difference between Elkader, IA and Saylorville, IA is dramatic. Elkader is 35.2% cheaper than Saylorville, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Elkader has a cost index of 69 while Saylorville sits at 106, 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 Elkader is $851/month compared to $1,642/month in Saylorville — a 48% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elkader is more affordable at $134,300 median vs $287,700.

Median household income in Elkader is $61,786 compared to $80,250 in Saylorville (-23%). The higher salaries in Saylorville partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Elkader spend roughly 16.5% of their income on rent, less than the 24.6% in Saylorville.