Benson, MN vs Oak Grove, MN

The cost of living difference between Benson, MN and Oak Grove, MN is dramatic. Benson is 43.5% cheaper than Oak Grove, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Benson has a cost index of 74 while Oak Grove sits at 131, 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 Benson is $939/month compared to $2,052/month in Oak Grove — a 54% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Benson is more affordable at $146,100 median vs $394,100.

Median household income in Benson is $51,124 compared to $114,679 in Oak Grove (-55.4%). While Oak Grove is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Benson spend roughly 22% of their income on rent, more than the 21.5% in Oak Grove.