Baxter, MN vs Moose Lake, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Moose Lake is 23.4% cheaper than Baxter. With a cost index of 75 vs 92, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Moose Lake 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 $901/month in Moose Lake — a 25% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Moose Lake is more affordable at $205,000 median vs $298,400.

Median household income in Baxter is $71,272 compared to $61,576 in Moose Lake (+15.7%). 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 17.6% in Moose Lake.