Cost of Living in Elko, NV
Population 20,624 · Nevada · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Elko sits on the smaller end of the Nevada city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Elko lies roughly 190 miles south of the nearest major metro, Boise City — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 37% lower than Boise City's $456,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Elko
The median home value in Elko is $285,400 — 6% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,174/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $75,630/year is 1% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Nevada charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 63.4°F and lows of 32.2°F, with about 41.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Elko has a cost of living index of 92 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 8% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 43 | 53 | 60 | 70 | 82 | 92 | 90 | 80 | 66 | 50 | 38 |
| Low °F | 16 | 21 | 27 | 32 | 39 | 45 | 52 | 49 | 41 | 29 | 22 | 15 |
| Precip" | 1.19 | 0.89 | 0.97 | 1.05 | 1.22 | 0.57 | 0.36 | 0.33 | 0.59 | 0.74 | 0.88 | 1.20 |
| Snow" | 10.4 | 6.8 | 5.5 | 3.3 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 4.1 | 10.2 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Elko, NV?
Elko has a cost index of 92 (100 = national average). It is 8% below the national average.
What is average rent in Elko, NV?
The median gross rent in Elko is $1,174 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Elko?
The median home value in Elko is $285,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Elko?
The median household income in Elko is $75,630 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Elko, NV?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Elko is 8.2%. Nevada has no state income tax.
Is Elko, NV affordable?
Elko is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 92 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Elko?
Elko has average high temperatures of 63.4°F and average lows of 32.2°F. Annual precipitation is 10". Average annual snowfall is 41.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Elko at a Glance
- Population
- 20,624
- Median Income
- $75,630
- Home Value
- $285,400
- Median Rent
- $1,174/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.2%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Nevada Rankings
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