Luverne, MN vs Monticello, MN

The cost of living difference between Luverne, MN and Monticello, MN is dramatic. Luverne is 35.3% cheaper than Monticello, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Luverne has a cost index of 68 while Monticello sits at 105, 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 Luverne is $718/month compared to $1,462/month in Monticello — a 51% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Luverne is more affordable at $181,100 median vs $298,400.

Median household income in Luverne is $66,145 compared to $81,563 in Monticello (-18.9%). The higher salaries in Monticello partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Luverne spend roughly 13% of their income on rent, less than the 21.5% in Monticello.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (45.1°F vs 42.9°F). Luverne receives more rainfall at 29.6" per year compared to 28.5" in Monticello.