Epworth, IA vs Montrose, IA

The cost of living difference between Epworth, IA and Montrose, IA is dramatic. Montrose is 31.7% cheaper than Epworth, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Epworth has a cost index of 78 while Montrose sits at 59, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Epworth is $924/month compared to $654/month in Montrose — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Montrose is more affordable at $92,100 median vs $229,200.

Median household income in Epworth is $73,571 compared to $73,333 in Montrose (+0.3%). Epworth does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Epworth spend roughly 15.1% of their income on rent, more than the 10.7% in Montrose.