Grafton, IA vs Montrose, IA

Grafton, IA and Montrose, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.4% difference in their overall index. Grafton scores 59 while Montrose scores 59 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 Grafton is $655/month compared to $654/month in Montrose — a 0% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Montrose is more affordable at $92,100 median vs $94,600.

Median household income in Grafton is $52,188 compared to $73,333 in Montrose (-28.8%). Montrose offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Grafton spend roughly 15.1% of their income on rent, more than the 10.7% in Montrose.