YNAB vs Monarch Money
Same price, completely different philosophies. YNAB wants to change how you think about money. Monarch wants to show you everything in one dashboard. Which approach actually works better?
YNAB
Zero-Based Budgeting System
Best for: People ready to commit to a budgeting methodology and change their habits
Pros
- Proven zero-based budgeting system
- Forces intentional spending decisions
- Excellent educational resources
- Active community and support
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Requires daily engagement
- No investment tracking
- No expense splitting features
Monarch Money
Comprehensive Financial Dashboard
Best for: Households wanting a complete financial picture with less hands-on work
Pros
- Investment portfolio tracking
- Beautiful, modern interface
- Works across all platforms
- Collaborative couple features
Cons
- No structured budgeting methodology
- Can feel overwhelming initially
- No free tier available
- Basic expense splitting only
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | YNAB | Monarch Money |
|---|---|---|
| Zero-Based Budgeting | ||
| Investment Tracking | ||
| Net Worth Dashboard | ||
| Bank Sync | ||
| Goal Tracking | ||
| Couple Collaboration | ||
| Educational Content | ||
| Expense Splitting | ||
| Android + iOS + Web | ||
| Learning Curve |
The Verdict
YNAB is better if you need structure and accountability—it's basically a budgeting course built into an app. Monarch is better if you want a passive dashboard that shows your complete financial life including investments. Both cost the same, so it comes down to: do you want a system to follow, or a picture to observe? Neither handles expense splitting well though. If you share costs with roommates, a partner, or friends, Savida gives you budgeting AND splitting without the $99/year price tag.
Why Not Get the Best of Both?
Savida combines budget tracking, expense splitting, and AI coaching in one app. No more switching between apps or paying for multiple subscriptions.