Chisago City, MN vs Monticello, MN

Chisago City, MN and Monticello, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.3% difference in their overall index. Chisago City scores 102 while Monticello scores 105 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 Chisago City is $1,163/month compared to $1,462/month in Monticello — a 21% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Chisago City has cheaper rent, Monticello actually has lower median home values ($298,400 vs $366,600).

Median household income in Chisago City is $96,964 compared to $81,563 in Monticello (+18.9%). Chisago City offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Chisago City spend roughly 14.4% of their income on rent, less than the 21.5% in Monticello.