B
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
19%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Monticello Minnesota National
Cost of living105100100
Groceries99100100
Health care101100100
Housing119100100
Transportation102100100
Utilities103104100
Lifestyle & Entertainment97100100
Household Items101100100
Education & Childcare9699100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Monticello, MN

Knowing the cost of living in Monticello allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Monticello stands at 105, marking it 5% higher than the national average.

In Monticello, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Monticello will resemble that of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Monticello Affordable?

Is Monticello an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Monticello, the median home price is 19.9% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 15.7% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Monticello come in at $105,768, which is 30% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Monticello?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Monticello, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.875%, and the income tax rates commence at 5.35%.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Monticello, the transportation index is 1.9% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Monticello, healthcare costs are 0.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Monticello cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Monticello is 5% higher than the Minnesota average
  • The cost of living in Monticello is 5% higher than the national average
  • Monticello housing is 19% higher than the national average
  • Minnesota general sales tax is 35% higher than the national average
  • Minnesota state income tax is 106% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Monticello

See all the best places to live around Monticello

Compare Monticello, MN Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Monticello?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Monticello?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Monticello poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$125,516$10,460$2,929$3,766
      Renters$77,292$6,441$1,803$2,319
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Monticello, MN, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Monticello have a median income of $125,516. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,929 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $77,292, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,803.

      Minnesota Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Minnesota 6.875% 7.875%

      Minnesota Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Minnesota 5.35% 9.85%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Maple Lake, MN2,208973.1%
      Clearwater, MN1,690990.7%
      Silver Creek, MN2011000.2%
      Clear Lake, MN6921000.2%
      Big Lake CDP, MN3901011.0%
      Monticello, MN14,0581055.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Grimes, IA14,0591022.2%
      Beauharnois, QC14,056n/a 
      Kailua CDP (Hawaii County), HI14,06214242.2%
      Holly Springs, GA14,05311615.5%
      Marietta, OH14,0538614.0%
      Monticello, MN14,0581055.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.