Alexandria, MN vs Cottage Grove, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Alexandria is 29.8% cheaper than Cottage Grove. With a cost index of 81 vs 116, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Alexandria to Cottage Grove should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Alexandria is $907/month compared to $1,644/month in Cottage Grove — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Alexandria is more affordable at $247,200 median vs $359,600.

Median household income in Alexandria is $61,558 compared to $121,452 in Cottage Grove (-49.3%). While Cottage Grove is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Alexandria spend roughly 17.7% of their income on rent, more than the 16.2% in Cottage Grove.