Apple Valley, MN vs Duluth, MN

The cost of living difference between Apple Valley, MN and Duluth, MN is dramatic. Duluth is 44.7% 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 Duluth sits at 80, 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 $1,037/month in Duluth — a 62% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Duluth is more affordable at $225,700 median vs $354,200.

Median household income in Apple Valley is $99,277 compared to $66,263 in Duluth (+49.8%). 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 18.8% in Duluth.