Albert Lea, MN vs Medina, MN

The cost of living difference between Albert Lea, MN and Medina, MN is dramatic. Albert Lea is 46.5% cheaper than Medina, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Albert Lea has a cost index of 72 while Medina sits at 134, 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 $1,421/month in Medina — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Albert Lea is more affordable at $150,400 median vs $660,800.

Median household income in Albert Lea is $62,522 compared to $219,181 in Medina (-71.5%). While Medina 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, more than the 7.8% in Medina.