Elma, IA vs Westgate, IA

Elma is moderately more affordable than Westgate, with a 14.1% lower cost of living index. Elma scores 58 compared to 67 for Westgate, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Westgate 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 $925/month in Westgate — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elma is more affordable at $71,400 median vs $92,500.

Median household income in Elma is $41,528 compared to $52,188 in Westgate (-20.4%). While Westgate 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, less than the 21.3% in Westgate.