Apple Valley, MN vs Willmar, MN

The cost of living difference between Apple Valley, MN and Willmar, MN is dramatic. Willmar is 57.3% 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 Willmar sits at 74, 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 $830/month in Willmar — a 102% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Willmar is more affordable at $186,000 median vs $354,200.

Median household income in Apple Valley is $99,277 compared to $63,368 in Willmar (+56.7%). 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 15.7% in Willmar.