Albany, MN vs Orono, MN

The cost of living difference between Albany, MN and Orono, MN is dramatic. Albany is 59.1% cheaper than Orono, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Albany has a cost index of 67 while Orono sits at 165, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Albany is $579/month compared to $1,653/month in Orono — a 65% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Albany is more affordable at $226,000 median vs $952,400.

Median household income in Albany is $75,417 compared to $181,875 in Orono (-58.5%). The higher salaries in Orono partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Albany spend roughly 9.2% of their income on rent, less than the 10.9% in Orono.