Albert Lea, MN vs Edina, MN

The cost of living difference between Albert Lea, MN and Edina, MN is dramatic. Albert Lea is 49.2% cheaper than Edina, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Albert Lea has a cost index of 72 while Edina sits at 141, 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 Albert Lea is $845/month compared to $1,757/month in Edina — a 52% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Albert Lea is more affordable at $150,400 median vs $624,000.

Median household income in Albert Lea is $62,522 compared to $129,225 in Edina (-51.6%). While Edina is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Albert Lea spend roughly 16.2% of their income on rent, less than the 16.3% in Edina.