Montrose, IA vs Steamboat Rock, IA

Montrose, IA and Steamboat Rock, IA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.5% difference in their overall index. Montrose scores 59 while Steamboat Rock scores 60 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 Montrose is $654/month compared to $755/month in Steamboat Rock — a 13% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Montrose has cheaper rent, Steamboat Rock actually has lower median home values ($78,300 vs $92,100).

Median household income in Montrose is $73,333 compared to $44,583 in Steamboat Rock (+64.5%). Montrose offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Montrose spend roughly 10.7% of their income on rent, less than the 20.3% in Steamboat Rock.

Climate-wise, Montrose is notably warmer with an average of 51.9°F compared to 47.7°F in Steamboat Rock. Montrose receives more rainfall at 37.9" per year compared to 32.8" in Steamboat Rock.