Emerson, IA vs Monona, IA

Emerson, IA and Monona, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.3% difference in their overall index. Emerson scores 69 while Monona scores 72 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 Emerson is $913/month compared to $1,000/month in Monona — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Emerson is more affordable at $113,600 median vs $125,900.

Median household income in Emerson is $47,426 compared to $70,509 in Monona (-32.7%). While Monona is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Emerson spend roughly 23.1% of their income on rent, more than the 17% in Monona.