Andover, MN vs Brainerd, MN

The cost of living difference between Andover, MN and Brainerd, MN is dramatic. Brainerd is 67.4% cheaper than Andover, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Andover has a cost index of 124 while Brainerd sits at 74, 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 Andover is $1,827/month compared to $848/month in Brainerd — a 115% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Brainerd is more affordable at $178,600 median vs $389,200.

Median household income in Andover is $131,528 compared to $53,705 in Brainerd (+144.9%). While Andover is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Andover spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, less than the 18.9% in Brainerd.