Atwater, MN vs Cook, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Cook is 15.3% cheaper than Atwater. With a cost index of 59 vs 68, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Cook to Atwater should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Atwater is $736/month compared to $650/month in Cook — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Cook is more affordable at $104,200 median vs $144,300.

Median household income in Atwater is $66,071 compared to $41,750 in Cook (+58.3%). While Atwater is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Atwater spend roughly 13.4% of their income on rent, less than the 18.7% in Cook.