Cost of Living in Eldon, IA

With a cost of living index of 56, Eldon, IA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 44% cheaper than the national average and 15% below the Iowa state average of 71. Eldon is a small community of 816 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Eldon's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $650 (51% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $57,600 (81% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.1x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Eldon is $52,813, which is 30% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 15% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.