Skyline of Elko
Cost of Living: 95 20,000

Elko, NV, US

Northeastern Nevada's mining and ranching hub with the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 95

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 100

Affordable

Median Income $60,000

Household income

Unemployment 3.0%

Job market health

Elko vs US Average

Cost of Living
Elko: 95
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Elko: 100
US Avg: 100

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: None
  • Sales Tax: 8.2%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $60,000
  • Unemployment: 3.0%
  • Population: 20,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 230/year
  • Summer High: 90°F
  • Winter Low: 18°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a

Housing

  • Median Home: $320,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1100/mo

Cost of Living

Elko's cost of living index is 95 (US average = 100).

CategoryElkoNational AverageDifference
Overall95100-5.0%
Housing1001000.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$320,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1100/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,375/mo
Price per Sq Ft$213

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Elko:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$103Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$110Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)$8Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$70Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$70Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$25Private service
Total Utilities$386Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Elko scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
95
Rent
$1100
Sunny Days
230
Tax
None
Unemployment
3.0%
Climate
90°F / 18°F
Safety
5.8 homicides/100k
Population
20,000
Internet Speed
200 Mbps

Climate

Elko has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January38°F18°F2.5"
April75°F33°F2.8"
July90°F65°F1.5"
October70°F36°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5a

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Elko faces the following natural hazards:

Heat Wave Extreme Risk

Extreme summer heat.

Drought Extreme Risk

Arid state with extreme drought conditions.

Wildfire High Risk

Frequent wildfire seasons.

Earthquake Moderate Risk

Active seismic region with frequent earthquakes.

Flood Moderate Risk

Flash floods.

Sandstorm Moderate Risk

Dust storms in desert regions.

Avalanche Moderate Risk

Sierra Nevada with avalanches.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 0% (None)
  • Sales Tax: 8.25%
  • Property Tax: ~0.59% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.

Schools & Education

55/100
School Quality Score
Better than 45% of US cities
?
11
Total Schools
9.3:1
Student:Teacher
92.2%
Free/Reduced Lunch

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Elko, NV, US?

The cost of living index in Elko is 95, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Elko?

The median home price in Elko is $320,000. The housing index is 100.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Elko is approximately $1100/mo.

Does Elko, NV have income tax?

Elko is in NV, which has no income tax.

What is the climate like in Elko?

Elko enjoys approximately 230 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 90°F, while winter lows can drop to around 18°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.