Apple Valley, MN vs Golden Valley, MN

Apple Valley is moderately more affordable than Golden Valley, with a 7.8% lower cost of living index. Apple Valley scores 116 compared to 126 for Golden Valley, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Golden 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 $1,815/month in Golden Valley — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Apple Valley is more affordable at $354,200 median vs $423,500.

Median household income in Apple Valley is $99,277 compared to $114,435 in Golden Valley (-13.2%). While Golden 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% in Golden Valley.