Apple Valley, MN vs Blaine, MN

Apple Valley, MN and Blaine, MN have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.1% difference in their overall index. Apple Valley scores 116 while Blaine scores 115 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Apple Valley is $1,678/month compared to $1,707/month in Blaine — a 2% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Apple Valley has cheaper rent, Blaine actually has lower median home values ($327,500 vs $354,200).

Median household income in Apple Valley is $99,277 compared to $103,382 in Blaine (-4%). Blaine offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Apple Valley spend roughly 20.3% of their income on rent, more than the 19.8% in Blaine.