Monticello, IA vs Oskaloosa, IA

Monticello is moderately more affordable than Oskaloosa, with a 6.4% lower cost of living index. Monticello scores 65 compared to 69 for Oskaloosa, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Oskaloosa can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Monticello is $659/month compared to $880/month in Oskaloosa — a 25% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Monticello has cheaper rent, Oskaloosa actually has lower median home values ($128,900 vs $160,500).

Median household income in Monticello is $67,788 compared to $62,172 in Oskaloosa (+9%). Monticello offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Monticello spend roughly 11.7% of their income on rent, less than the 17% in Oskaloosa.

Climate-wise, Oskaloosa is notably warmer with an average of 50.7°F compared to 47.2°F in Monticello. Monticello receives more rainfall at 38.2" per year compared to 37" in Oskaloosa.