Babbitt, MN vs Gem Lake, MN

The cost of living difference between Babbitt, MN and Gem Lake, MN is dramatic. Babbitt is 54.8% cheaper than Gem Lake, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Babbitt has a cost index of 60 while Gem Lake sits at 134, 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 Babbitt is $726/month compared to $1,750/month in Gem Lake — a 59% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Babbitt is more affordable at $96,000 median vs $536,600.

Median household income in Babbitt is $54,318 compared to $146,250 in Gem Lake (-62.9%). While Gem Lake is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Babbitt spend roughly 16% of their income on rent, more than the 14.4% in Gem Lake.