Cost of Living in Ellsworth, IA

With a cost of living index of 70, Ellsworth, IA is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 30% cheaper than the national average and in line with the Iowa state average. Ellsworth is a small community of 525 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Ellsworth's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $931 (29% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $125,000 (59% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 1.7x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Ellsworth is $73,021, which is 3% 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.

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.