Apple Valley, MN vs Austin, MN

The cost of living difference between Apple Valley, MN and Austin, MN is dramatic. Austin is 60.8% cheaper than Apple Valley, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Apple Valley has a cost index of 116 while Austin sits at 72, 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 Apple Valley is $1,678/month compared to $860/month in Austin — a 95% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Austin is more affordable at $155,100 median vs $354,200.

Median household income in Apple Valley is $99,277 compared to $66,488 in Austin (+49.3%). The higher salaries in Apple Valley partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Apple Valley spend roughly 20.3% of their income on rent, more than the 15.5% in Austin.