Home / Compare / Montpelier vs St. Joseph

Montpelier, IA vs St. Joseph, IA

92
Montpelier
Iowa
VS
-5%
97
St. Joseph
Iowa

Montpelier is moderately more affordable than St. Joseph, with a 5% lower cost of living index. Montpelier scores 92 compared to 97 for St. Joseph, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of St. Joseph can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

Median household income in Montpelier is $69,186 compared to $45,347 in St. Joseph (+52.6%). Montpelier offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power.

Climate-wise, Montpelier is notably warmer with an average of 51.2°F compared to 44.6°F in St. Joseph. Montpelier receives more rainfall at 38.3" per year compared to 29.3" in St. Joseph.

Income & Cost

Cost of Living Index
Montpelier
92
5% cheaper
St. Joseph
97
Median Household Income
Montpelier
$69,186
34% higher
St. Joseph
$45,347

Housing

Median Rent
Montpelier
St. Joseph
Median Home Value
Montpelier
$253,500
St. Joseph
Population
Montpelier
228
St. Joseph
78

Salary Equivalency Calculator

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Everyday Prices

BLS Average Prices by metro area

Gasoline (regular)
Montpelier $2.95
St. Joseph
US $3.07
🥚
Eggs (grade A, large)
Montpelier $2.41
St. Joseph
US $2.50
🥛
Milk (whole)
Montpelier $3.88
St. Joseph
US $4.03
🍞
Bread (white)
Montpelier $1.78
St. Joseph
US $1.85
🍗
Chicken breast
Montpelier $3.99
St. Joseph
US $4.14
Electricity
Montpelier $0.18
St. Joseph
US $0.19

Climate

NOAA 30-year normals (1991-2020)

Avg Temp
Montpelier 51.2°F
St. Joseph 44.6°F
Summer High
Montpelier 86°F
St. Joseph 81°F
Winter Low
Montpelier 15°F
St. Joseph 7°F
Rainfall
Montpelier 38.3"
St. Joseph 29.3"
Rainy Days
Montpelier 117d
St. Joseph 106d