Monticello, IA vs Roland, IA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Monticello is 15% cheaper than Roland. 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 Roland should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Monticello is $659/month compared to $983/month in Roland — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Monticello is more affordable at $160,500 median vs $173,100.

Median household income in Monticello is $67,788 compared to $84,779 in Roland (-20%). While Roland is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Monticello spend roughly 11.7% of their income on rent, less than the 13.9% in Roland.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (47.2°F vs 48.6°F). Monticello receives more rainfall at 38.2" per year compared to 35.9" in Roland.