ZC

Cost of Living in Ely, IA (52227)

Quick Financial Snapshot

Hourly Living Wage$15.58 / hrBased on 2,080 hrs/yr
Target 50/30/20 Salary$64,800 / yrTo live comfortably
Family of 4 Monthly Cost$6,346 / mo2.4x single adult baseline

Executive Financial Report: Ely (52227)

Navigating the local economic landscape in Ely (52227) reveals an average baseline monthly living cost of approximately $2,700 for a single adult. This comprehensive benchmark reflects essential housing, nutrition, tax, and medical commitments.

With typical rent and housing utilities averaging an affordable $524 per month—just 19% of baseline expenses—Ely offers exceptionally competitive shelter costs compared to wider metropolitan averages across Iowa.

To maintain sustainable financial health in Ely (52227) using the popular 50/30/20 budgeting framework, your essential living expenses ($2,700/month) should not exceed 50% of your net take-home pay. Consequently, an individual needs a target gross annual salary of approximately $64,800 to cover necessities while building savings. On an hourly basis, working a standard 2,080-hour work year requires a minimum hourly living wage of $15.58/hour just to meet basic survival costs.

For a family of four (2 adults and 2 children), basic monthly expenditures in Ely increase to $6,346 per month ($76,152/year)—approximately 2.4x higher than the single-adult baseline. Childcare premiums and multi-bedroom housing represent the largest contributors to this family budget increase. Compared against the area median family income of $87,810, local wages provide a 2.71x coverage ratio relative to single-adult baseline expenses.

Commuting and transit expenses average $834 monthly in 52227, coupled with $383 in healthcare baselines. Tax obligations consume $422 monthly. Local tax structures remain a steady consideration for financial planning. Use our interactive tools below to adjust these benchmarks for your specific situation.

Cost Comparison: Ely (52227) vs. Iowa Average

Direct monthly cost comparison for a single adult baseline against the statewide average across all IA counties.

Expense CategoryEly (52227)IA State AverageDifference
Housing & Rent$524/mo$534/mo-2%
Food & Groceries$255/mo$253/mo+1%
Transportation$834/mo$937/mo-11%
Healthcare$383/mo$406/mo-6%
Direct Taxes$422/mo$457/mo-8%
Total Monthly Baseline$2,700/mo$2,874/mo-6%

* Statewide benchmarks are calculated from weighted county-level cost of living data across Iowa.

Is this cost data accurate for Ely (52227)?

Help our data science team continuously refine local cost indices.

Select Household Composition

Recalculate costs based on your family size

Total Monthly Cost$2,700Est. $32,400 / year
Housing / Rent$52419.4% of monthly budget
Food & Groceries$255Essential food benchmarks
Area Median Income$87,810Annual household average

Expense Distribution

Detailed Monthly Breakdown

Housing$524
Food$255
Transportation$834
Healthcare$383
Taxes$422
Affordability Calculator

Can you afford to live in Ely (52227)?

Enter your gross annual income to calculate your projected monthly surplus or deficit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Living Cost FAQs for Ely (52227)

Q: What is the minimum hourly living wage required in Ely, IA (52227)?

To cover essential living costs without financial distress, a full-time worker (2,080 hours/year) in Ely (52227) requires a minimum hourly living wage of $15.58/hour.

Q: How much salary do I need to live comfortably in Ely (52227)?

Following the 50/30/20 budgeting rule (where necessities consume 50% of net income), a single adult needs a target gross annual salary of roughly $64,800 to live comfortably in Ely (52227).

Q: What is the monthly cost of living for a family of four in Ely (52227)?

Estimated baseline monthly living expenses for a family of four (2 adults, 2 children) in Ely (52227) are $6,346 per month ($76,152 per year).