Circle Pines, MN vs Monticello, MN

Circle Pines is moderately more affordable than Monticello, with a 5.2% lower cost of living index. Circle Pines scores 100 compared to 105 for Monticello, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Monticello can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Circle Pines is $1,337/month compared to $1,462/month in Monticello — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Circle Pines is more affordable at $277,300 median vs $298,400.

Median household income in Circle Pines is $96,477 compared to $81,563 in Monticello (+18.3%). Circle Pines offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Circle Pines spend roughly 16.6% of their income on rent, less than the 21.5% in Monticello.