Albert Lea, MN vs Maplewood, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Albert Lea is 28.6% cheaper than Maplewood. With a cost index of 72 vs 100, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Albert Lea to Maplewood should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Albert Lea is $845/month compared to $1,316/month in Maplewood — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Albert Lea is more affordable at $150,400 median vs $291,300.

Median household income in Albert Lea is $62,522 compared to $88,534 in Maplewood (-29.4%). While Maplewood 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 17.8% in Maplewood.