Austin, MN vs Oak Grove, MN

The cost of living difference between Austin, MN and Oak Grove, MN is dramatic. Austin is 44.7% cheaper than Oak Grove, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Austin has a cost index of 72 while Oak Grove sits at 131, 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 Austin is $860/month compared to $2,052/month in Oak Grove — a 58% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Austin is more affordable at $155,100 median vs $394,100.

Median household income in Austin is $66,488 compared to $114,679 in Oak Grove (-42%). The higher salaries in Oak Grove partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Austin spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, less than the 21.5% in Oak Grove.