Ely, IA vs Wellsburg, IA

The cost of living difference between Ely, IA and Wellsburg, IA is dramatic. Wellsburg is 44.3% cheaper than Ely, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Ely has a cost index of 85 while Wellsburg sits at 59, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Ely is $1,014/month compared to $625/month in Wellsburg — a 62% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wellsburg is more affordable at $110,800 median vs $275,800.

Median household income in Ely is $102,262 compared to $63,125 in Wellsburg (+62%). While Ely is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Ely spend roughly 11.9% of their income on rent, less than the 11.9% in Wellsburg.