Cost of Living in Monterey, IN

With a cost of living index of 57, Monterey, IN is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 43% cheaper than the national average and 21% below the Indiana state average of 78. Monterey is a small community of 270 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Monterey's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $579 (56% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $89,300 (71% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.4x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Monterey is $36,866, which is 51% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 19% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.