Bagley, MN vs Melrose, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Bagley is 21.1% cheaper than Melrose. With a cost index of 63 vs 80, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Bagley to Melrose should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bagley is $717/month compared to $1,061/month in Melrose — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bagley is more affordable at $135,100 median vs $198,300.

Median household income in Bagley is $53,417 compared to $58,107 in Melrose (-8.1%). Melrose 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 Bagley spend roughly 16.1% of their income on rent, less than the 21.9% in Melrose.