Coon Rapids, IA vs Monticello, IA

Coon Rapids, IA and Monticello, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.3% difference in their overall index. Coon Rapids scores 66 while Monticello scores 65 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 Coon Rapids is $760/month compared to $659/month in Monticello — a 15% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Monticello has cheaper rent, Coon Rapids actually has lower median home values ($129,300 vs $160,500).

Median household income in Coon Rapids is $64,338 compared to $67,788 in Monticello (-5.1%). 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 Coon Rapids spend roughly 14.2% of their income on rent, more than the 11.7% in Monticello.