Baxter, MN vs Blue Earth, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Blue Earth is 28.6% cheaper than Baxter. With a cost index of 72 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Blue Earth to Baxter should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Baxter is $1,123/month compared to $916/month in Blue Earth — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Blue Earth is more affordable at $125,200 median vs $298,400.

Median household income in Baxter is $71,272 compared to $59,118 in Blue Earth (+20.6%). The higher salaries in Baxter partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Baxter spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, more than the 18.6% in Blue Earth.