Anamosa, IA vs Monroe, IA

Anamosa, IA and Monroe, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.7% difference in their overall index. Anamosa scores 72 while Monroe scores 70 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Anamosa is $897/month compared to $780/month in Monroe — a 15% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Monroe has cheaper rent, Anamosa actually has lower median home values ($164,900 vs $173,500).

Median household income in Anamosa is $56,167 compared to $81,488 in Monroe (-31.1%). Monroe offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Anamosa spend roughly 19.2% of their income on rent, more than the 11.5% in Monroe.