Elma, IA vs Reinbeck, IA

Elma is moderately more affordable than Reinbeck, with a 11.6% lower cost of living index. Elma scores 58 compared to 66 for Reinbeck, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Reinbeck can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Elma is $668/month compared to $734/month in Reinbeck — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elma is more affordable at $71,400 median vs $152,400.

Median household income in Elma is $41,528 compared to $85,962 in Reinbeck (-51.7%). While Reinbeck is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Elma spend roughly 19.3% of their income on rent, more than the 10.2% in Reinbeck.