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Cost of Living in Montgomery County

Is it better to rent or buy in Montgomery County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$63,440
$821/mo

Median in area: $821

$130,686

Median in area: $130,686

$26,137

If you Rent

🔑
$1,042 /mo
Base Rent$821
Est. Utilities$221
% of Income19.7%
Pre-tax Residual$4,245

If you Buy

🏠
$1,183 /mo
P&I (7.261%)$714
Taxes & Ins$248
Est. Utilities$221
% of Income22.4%
Pre-tax Residual$4,104

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Montgomery County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyCass County, IA
$791/mo
countyPottawattamie County, IA
$1,050/mo
countyAdams County, IA
$938/mo
countyMills County, IA
$967/mo
countyPage County, IA
$711/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Montgomery County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Montgomery County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,042, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $1,183 per month (a difference of $141).

How much do utilities cost in Montgomery County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Montgomery County is approximately $221. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Montgomery County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Montgomery County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $41,680 per year.