Bethel, MN vs Magnolia, MN

The cost of living difference between Bethel, MN and Magnolia, MN is dramatic. Magnolia is 45.9% cheaper than Bethel, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bethel has a cost index of 89 while Magnolia sits at 61, 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 Bethel is $1,018/month compared to $754/month in Magnolia — a 35% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Magnolia is more affordable at $78,000 median vs $260,200.

Median household income in Bethel is $102,500 compared to $47,159 in Magnolia (+117.3%). While Bethel is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bethel spend roughly 11.9% of their income on rent, less than the 19.2% in Magnolia.