Cost of Living in Monticello, IN

Population 5,504 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023

50
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Monticello is a smaller Indiana community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $50,138 and housing costs ($122,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 8.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Monticello is about 65 miles northwest of Carmel, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 73% lower than Carmel's $456,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 40
Rent 65

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Monticello

The median home value in Monticello is $122,200 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $860/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,138/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.3%, above the national average of 4.8%. Indiana's top state income tax rate is 3.0% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. Overall, Monticello has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$122,200
60% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$230,934
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$860/mo
35% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.8%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$731
1 BR
$783
2 BR
$985
3 BR
$1,286
4 BR
$1,456
Owner-occupied 61.4%
Renter-occupied 38.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$860
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,474/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
20.0 min
26% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.6%
Carpooled
15.8%
Work from home
3.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 3.0%
Total Sales Tax 7.0%
State rate 7.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 0.8%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$50,138
33% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,381
Unemployment Rate
8.3%
73% above avg
Poverty Rate
12.2%
Labor Force Participation
54.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.0%
Graduate degree 2.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.9
Male median age 46.3
Female median age 47

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

89%
4-Year Graduation Rate
16.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
5
Public schools
2,411
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Monticello, IN?

Monticello has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.

What is average rent in Monticello, IN?

The median gross rent in Monticello is $860 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Monticello?

The median home value in Monticello is $122,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Monticello?

The median household income in Monticello is $50,138 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Monticello, IN?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Monticello is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.

Is Monticello, IN affordable?

Yes, Monticello is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.

Monticello at a Glance

Population
5,504
Median Income
$50,138
Home Value
$122,200
Median Rent
$860/mo
Unemployment
8.3%
Sales Tax
7.0%
View all cities in Indiana →
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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