Apple Valley, MN vs West St. Paul, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. West St. Paul is 21.5% cheaper than Apple Valley. With a cost index of 96 vs 116, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from West 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 $1,195/month in West St. Paul — a 40% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: West St. Paul is more affordable at $281,800 median vs $354,200.

Median household income in Apple Valley is $99,277 compared to $70,738 in West St. Paul (+40.3%). 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, less than the 20.3% in West St. Paul.