Apple Valley, MN vs White Bear Lake, MN

White Bear Lake is moderately more affordable than Apple Valley, with a 6.5% lower cost of living index. Apple Valley scores 116 compared to 109 for White Bear Lake, 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 $1,540/month in White Bear Lake — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: White Bear Lake is more affordable at $318,000 median vs $354,200.

Median household income in Apple Valley is $99,277 compared to $79,712 in White Bear Lake (+24.5%). 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 23.2% in White Bear Lake.