Carroll, IA vs Monticello, IA

Monticello is moderately more affordable than Carroll, with a 6.3% lower cost of living index. Carroll scores 69 compared to 65 for Monticello, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Carroll can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Carroll is $718/month compared to $659/month in Monticello — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Monticello is more affordable at $160,500 median vs $184,100.

Median household income in Carroll is $59,323 compared to $67,788 in Monticello (-12.5%). Monticello offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Carroll spend roughly 14.5% of their income on rent, more than the 11.7% in Monticello.