Apple Valley, MN vs Crystal, MN

Crystal is moderately more affordable than Apple Valley, with a 13% lower cost of living index. Apple Valley scores 116 compared to 103 for Crystal, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Apple Valley can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Apple Valley is $1,678/month compared to $1,437/month in Crystal — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Crystal is more affordable at $280,500 median vs $354,200.

Median household income in Apple Valley is $99,277 compared to $86,752 in Crystal (+14.4%). While Apple Valley is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Apple Valley spend roughly 20.3% of their income on rent, more than the 19.9% in Crystal.