Lenox, IA vs Monticello, IA

Lenox, IA and Monticello, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.7% difference in their overall index. Lenox scores 64 while Monticello scores 65 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 Lenox is $759/month compared to $659/month in Monticello — a 15% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Monticello has cheaper rent, Lenox actually has lower median home values ($106,000 vs $160,500).

Median household income in Lenox is $59,750 compared to $67,788 in Monticello (-11.9%). While Monticello is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Lenox spend roughly 15.2% of their income on rent, more than the 11.7% in Monticello.

Climate-wise, Lenox is notably warmer with an average of 51.6°F compared to 47.2°F in Monticello. Monticello receives more rainfall at 38.2" per year compared to 37.4" in Lenox.