Apple Valley, MN vs South St. Paul, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. South St. Paul is 25.7% cheaper than Apple Valley. With a cost index of 93 vs 116, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from South St. Paul to Apple Valley should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Apple Valley is $1,678/month compared to $1,128/month in South St. Paul — a 49% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: South St. Paul is more affordable at $266,800 median vs $354,200.

Median household income in Apple Valley is $99,277 compared to $84,472 in South St. Paul (+17.5%). 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 16% in South St. Paul.