Bellingham, MN vs Ghent, MN

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Bellingham is 29.3% cheaper than Ghent. With a cost index of 53 vs 75, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Bellingham to Ghent should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bellingham is $494/month compared to $941/month in Ghent — a 48% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bellingham is more affordable at $52,700 median vs $154,700.

Median household income in Bellingham is $52,083 compared to $72,500 in Ghent (-28.2%). The higher salaries in Ghent partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Bellingham spend roughly 11.4% of their income on rent, less than the 15.6% in Ghent.