Benson, MN vs Elbow Lake, MN

Elbow Lake is moderately more affordable than Benson, with a 12.2% lower cost of living index. Benson scores 74 compared to 66 for Elbow Lake, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Benson can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Benson is $939/month compared to $746/month in Elbow Lake — a 26% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Elbow Lake is more affordable at $118,900 median vs $146,100.

Median household income in Benson is $51,124 compared to $56,786 in Elbow Lake (-10%). Elbow Lake offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Benson spend roughly 22% of their income on rent, more than the 15.8% in Elbow Lake.