Elma, IA vs Guttenberg, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Elma is 17.8% cheaper than Guttenberg. With a cost index of 58 vs 70, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Elma to Guttenberg should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Elma is $668/month compared to $799/month in Guttenberg — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elma is more affordable at $71,400 median vs $183,800.

Median household income in Elma is $41,528 compared to $49,613 in Guttenberg (-16.3%). The higher salaries in Guttenberg partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Elma spend roughly 19.3% of their income on rent, less than the 19.3% in Guttenberg.