Battle Lake, MN vs Staples, MN

Staples is moderately more affordable than Battle Lake, with a 14.8% lower cost of living index. Battle Lake scores 80 compared to 69 for Staples, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Battle Lake can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Battle Lake is $920/month compared to $856/month in Staples — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Staples is more affordable at $119,300 median vs $221,000.

Median household income in Battle Lake is $58,125 compared to $51,506 in Staples (+12.9%). The higher salaries in Battle Lake partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Battle Lake spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, less than the 19.9% in Staples.