Elkhart, TX vs Smiley, TX

Elkhart, TX and Smiley, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.7% difference in their overall index. Elkhart scores 64 while Smiley scores 65 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elkhart is $683/month compared to $873/month in Smiley — a 22% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Elkhart has cheaper rent, Smiley actually has lower median home values ($69,500 vs $118,200).

Median household income in Elkhart is $65,071 compared to $35,000 in Smiley (+85.9%). Elkhart offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Elkhart spend roughly 12.6% of their income on rent, less than the 29.9% in Smiley.