Elsa, TX vs Mercedes, TX

Elsa, TX and Mercedes, TX have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.4% difference in their overall index. Elsa scores 58 while Mercedes scores 59 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 Elsa is $676/month compared to $676/month in Mercedes — a 0% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Mercedes has cheaper rent, Elsa actually has lower median home values ($90,600 vs $107,700).

Median household income in Elsa is $55,519 compared to $41,753 in Mercedes (+33%). Elsa offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Elsa spend roughly 14.6% of their income on rent, less than the 19.4% in Mercedes.