Arlington, IA vs Montezuma, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Arlington is 19.2% cheaper than Montezuma. With a cost index of 57 vs 70, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Arlington to Montezuma should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Arlington is $525/month compared to $843/month in Montezuma — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Arlington is more affordable at $110,900 median vs $157,800.

Median household income in Arlington is $41,250 compared to $63,375 in Montezuma (-34.9%). While Montezuma is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Arlington spend roughly 15.3% of their income on rent, less than the 16% in Montezuma.