Le Mars, IA vs Monticello, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Monticello is 17.5% cheaper than Le Mars. With a cost index of 65 vs 76, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Monticello to Le Mars should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Le Mars is $908/month compared to $659/month in Monticello — a 38% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Monticello is more affordable at $160,500 median vs $202,200.

Median household income in Le Mars is $72,381 compared to $67,788 in Monticello (+6.8%). Le Mars 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 Le Mars spend roughly 15.1% of their income on rent, more than the 11.7% in Monticello.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (48.4°F vs 47.2°F). Monticello receives more rainfall at 38.2" per year compared to 29.3" in Le Mars.