Austin, MN vs Cambridge, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Austin is 22.2% cheaper than Cambridge. With a cost index of 72 vs 93, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Austin to Cambridge should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Austin is $860/month compared to $1,232/month in Cambridge — a 30% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Austin is more affordable at $155,100 median vs $234,800.

Median household income in Austin is $66,488 compared to $67,632 in Cambridge (-1.7%). Cambridge does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Austin spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, less than the 21.9% in Cambridge.