Big Lake, MN vs Prior Lake, MN

Big Lake is moderately more affordable than Prior Lake, with a 12.9% lower cost of living index. Big Lake scores 103 compared to 119 for Prior Lake, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Prior Lake can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Big Lake is $1,417/month compared to $1,548/month in Prior Lake — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Big Lake is more affordable at $291,700 median vs $429,900.

Median household income in Big Lake is $113,333 compared to $130,278 in Prior Lake (-13%). While Prior Lake is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Big Lake spend roughly 15% of their income on rent, more than the 14.3% in Prior Lake.