Alden, MN vs Tracy, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Tracy is 27.5% cheaper than Alden. With a cost index of 59 vs 75, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Tracy to Alden should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alden is $1,038/month compared to $536/month in Tracy — a 94% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Tracy is more affordable at $110,900 median vs $122,700.

Median household income in Alden is $75,833 compared to $60,682 in Tracy (+25%). The higher salaries in Alden partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Alden spend roughly 16.4% of their income on rent, more than the 10.6% in Tracy.