Ellsworth, IA vs State Center, IA

Ellsworth, IA and State Center, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.5% difference in their overall index. Ellsworth scores 70 while State Center scores 67 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 Ellsworth is $931/month compared to $741/month in State Center — a 26% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while State Center has cheaper rent, Ellsworth actually has lower median home values ($125,000 vs $156,300).

Median household income in Ellsworth is $73,021 compared to $72,303 in State Center (+1%). Ellsworth does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Ellsworth spend roughly 15.3% of their income on rent, more than the 12.3% in State Center.