Ida Grove, IA vs Montrose, IA

Ida Grove, IA and Montrose, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.4% difference in their overall index. Ida Grove scores 60 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 Ida Grove is $671/month compared to $654/month in Montrose — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Montrose is more affordable at $92,100 median vs $96,000.

Median household income in Ida Grove is $63,194 compared to $73,333 in Montrose (-13.8%). 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 Ida Grove spend roughly 12.7% of their income on rent, more than the 10.7% in Montrose.

Climate-wise, Montrose is notably warmer with an average of 51.9°F compared to 48.4°F in Ida Grove. Montrose receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 29.3" in Ida Grove.