Baxter, MN vs Ely, MN

The cost of living difference between Baxter, MN and Ely, MN is dramatic. Ely is 48.9% cheaper than Baxter, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Baxter has a cost index of 92 while Ely sits at 62, 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 Baxter is $1,123/month compared to $627/month in Ely — a 79% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Ely is more affordable at $150,800 median vs $298,400.

Median household income in Baxter is $71,272 compared to $46,042 in Ely (+54.8%). While Baxter is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Baxter spend roughly 18.9% of their income on rent, more than the 16.3% in Ely.